Bryce Young expresses excitement to have Steve Smith at practice

Bryce Young wants to utilize as many resources as he possibly can as he heads into his rookie year in the NFL. Early on, he’s leaning on the support of Carolina Panthers legend Steve Smith Sr.

Smith, who spent 13 seasons of a 16-year NFL career in Carolina, has been around offseason practices this year. Young says the five-time Pro Bowler has provided a lot of insight and assistance while around the team.

“Yeah, he’s been here a good amount and having a legend — being able to be around — every opportunity I get to pick his brain. Hear his opinions about stuff, tell me how he feels,” Young told reporters. “Whether that’s me and super applicable or just other stuff. Whatever conversations we have, I definitely value those a lot.

“I’m grateful for him being here. … He’s supportive and doing everything to support us.”

Young was the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft out of Alabama. After a strong college career in Tuscaloosa, he’ll face high expectations when he starts taking snaps for the Panthers.

But Smith’s presence might help Young make a smoother transition. In his 16-year NFL career, the receiver totaled 14,731 yards and 81 touchdowns on 1,031 catches.

He might know a thing or two about dissecting defenses.

Young has a lot to learn and it’s going to take some time to settle in. But he’s very grateful to learn from a veteran like Smith heading into his rookie season.

Panthers veteran gives early impressions of Bryce Young

Young’s new teammates have only seen a glimpse of the quarterback through offseason workouts. But one veteran defensive back is already impressed by what he’s witnessed.

Xavier Woods told NFL Total Access that he loves the confidence Young brings to the organization.

“Just the swagger. Just his persona. How he carries [himself]. Just not only in the weight room, but on the practice field. Man, he’s got that solid swagger. You can definitely tell that he knows that he’s top tier. But he’s humble with it, man,” Woods said.

Woods continued to talk about how the high expectations of being the first overall selection can sometimes overwhelm players, but that doesn’t appear to be the case for Young.

“Being a first-round draft pick, it’s gonna come with a lot of expectations and whatnot, but I’m pretty sure he knows that he can carry it, just in the way he carries himself and it shows,” he said.