NFL.com projects Bryce Young's rookie season stats

The Carolina Panthers are entering the Bryce Young era in a few short weeks. The preseason exposed weaknesses in the Panthers’ offensive front but there’s still potential for the former Heisman Trophy winner to exceed expectations in year one.

Ahead of the regular season, NFL.com’s Chad Reuter provided predictions for all the top offensive rookies in the league.

NFL.com’s prediction for Young’s rookie stats are: 3,700 passing yards, 23 TDs, 11 INTs; 350 rushing yards, 4 rushing TDs. For comparison, No. 2 overall CJ Stroud‘s numbers are all slightly worse. Stroud’s projected to get 3,400 passing yards, 21 TDs, 14 INTs; 350 rushing yards, and 3 rushing TDs. 

Reuter’s worst-case scenario for Young is predictable after what the Panthers have shown so far in the preseason.

“Young tries to do too much and makes mistakes instead of picking his spots to try for big plays,” Reuter suggested. “The offensive line and receivers turn out not to be as improved as the team expects, forcing him into unfavorable situations.”

On the opposite end, the NFL analyst could also see Young bolstered by his offensive weapons in a best-case scenario.

“Young plays within himself but trusts his playmaking skills when off-platform. Veteran receivers D.J. Chark (if healthy) and Adam Thielen do their part to maximize the Day 1 starter’s potential, as does big-bodied but agile second-round pick Jonathan Mingo.”

Young ‘fine-tuning’ ahead of first regular-season start

The time is rapidly approaching for Young to make his NFL regular season debut. In just a few weeks, the rookie out of Alabama will get his first real taste of the big stage.

Yes, Young has stepped onto the field during the preseason in each of Carolina’s first two games. He’s thrown a total of just 12 passes, completing seven for 56 yards.

Life gets much different once the regular season kicks off in September. And before that first game, there are a few things Young wants to fine-tune.

“Operation. I think really just continuing to grow in the ownership of the playbook and command of the huddle and things of that nature,” Young said. “And then just being more efficient with execution with where my eyes wanna be pre- and post-snap. Making sure it’s a smooth operation from a ball-handling standpoint. Cadence, footwork, all those sorts of things.

“Just trying to keep fine-tuning that and keep pushing that and not being complacent. Keep trying to grow. The coaches do a great job of pushing myself and everyone in the QB room, so I’m really dialed in on that.”

Carolina starts the 2023 season with a road game in the afternoon versus the Atlanta Falcons.

On3’s Dustin Schutte contributed to this report.