'Embrace It!' Rams' Stafford Gives Advice to Panthers' QB Bryce Young

Los Angeles Rams quarterback had some words of wisdom for Carolina Panthers passer and fellow first overall pick Bryce Young.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford knows a thing or two about being the first overall pick.

The former face of the Detroit Lions was asked about his experiences as a rookie and the advice he’d have for the first pick in April’s draft, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young.

Stafford’s situation was fairly unique, given the abomination that was Detroit football in the mid-2000s. His rookie year was more about gaining experience than winning games, which may not be true for Carolina in a wide open NFC South. Still, those first games are crucial to one’s development.

“I had games where I had a lot of interceptions … just to have the opportunity to learn from those,” Stafford said on Wednesday. “Learn what throws you can make, what throws you can’t make. Learn about your teammates, what it’s like to play in the NFL.”

Unlike Stafford, Young won’t have the privilege of throwing to one of the most talented receivers to grace a football field in Calvin Johnson Jr. His receiving options are admittedly shaky, but there’s room for optimism.

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Rookie receiver Jonathan Mingo has some big fans around the league, and head coach Frank Reich is about as qualified of a mentor as one can ask for. The offensive line should be acceptable, though Young thrives off script. They shouldn’t play a top pass defense until a Nov. date with the Dallas Cowboys.

However this season goes, Young has time. Stafford dealt with health issues, roster mismanagement, and other embarrassments, yet he ended up with a Super Bowl to his name. He won’t be quick to judge the rookie.

“It’s an awesome start to a cool journey,” Stafford said. “I hope they embrace it, love every minute of it. It’s not going to be easy, never is, but that’s the fun part of it.”

Both passers will kick off their respective seasons on the road against a division rival. On Sunday, Young’s Panthers will visit the Atlanta Falcons, while Stafford and the Rams will meet the Seattle Seahawks.