Panthers to Meet With Bryce Young on Eve of Alabama Pro Day

Carolina reportedly is considering the Alabama QB and Ohio State star C.J. Stroud for the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

After taking in C.J. Stroud’s pro day in Ohio on Wednesday morning, the brass of the Carolina Panthers is on its way to Alabama this evening to meet with Bryce Young.

The Panthers brain trust will be joining the former Alabama star for dinner on the eve of the Crimson Tide’s pro day in Tuscaloosa, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.

Despite putting up prolific numbers which led to a Heisman Trophy in 2021, Young’s ability to succeed at the NFL level has come into question due to his 5-foot-10 stature. Young, who many have compared to Russell Wilson, may lack the desired prototypical size teams look for at the position, but that has not hindered his success or production while playing against elite defenses in the SEC.

Young, who posted a 23-4 record in 27 starts for the Tide, threw for 8,356 yards and 80 touchdowns, adding seven rushing scores on the ground while piloting Nick Saban’s offense. The 2021 Maxwell Award winner finished second in Alabama program history in career passing yards and touchdown passes.

The #TOL Player of the Year from this Season:

Alabama QB Bryce Young 🐘 @edsbs @RJ_Writes pic.twitter.com/jRwgaqDc4t

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) December 7, 2021

Among those expected to be in attendance at the dinner with Young are owners David and Nicole Tepper, general manager Scott Fitterer, head coach Frank Reich, assistant general manager Dan Morgan, vice president Samir Suleiman and assistant coaches Jim Caldwell, Thomas Brown and Josh McCown, per Breer.

Many of the teams in attendance for Thursday’s pro day will be looking specifically at Young’s arm strength after he suffered a shoulder injury last season. A strong showing on Thursday, could alleviate concerns teams may have about his health.

Recent reports stated that David Tepper and Reich currently have a difference of opinion on whom to select with the No. 1 pick. Tepper reportedly prefers Young, while Reich apparently is leaning toward Stroud, the former Ohio State star quarterback, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.