NFL Draft analysis: Weighing Panthers’ QB choice between Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud
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2023 NFL Draft
The Carolina Panthers hold the top pick in this year’s draft and there’s plenty of intrigue surrounding the team and what it will do. Check out all our pre-draft coverage here.
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The Panthers have a date with their quarterback destiny on Thursday.
After months of speculation, the Panthers will finally use their first-round pick — the first overall selection acquired from the Chicago Bears in March — on a quarterback who will become the future face of their franchise. And while Carolina went through an extensive vetting process with four quarterbacks, their choice will be narrowed down to one signal-caller by 8 p.m. at the start of the NFL Draft.
The Panthers considered Alabama’s Bryce Young, Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, Florida’s Anthony Richardson and Kentucky’s Will Levis for the top pick after moving up from the No. 9 selection ahead of free agency. However, throughout the build-up to the draft, Young and Stroud have been the most widely debated names for the first overall selection.
So, with that in mind, The Observer has decided compare the players to figure out who has the edge in fit for head coach Frank Reich and the Panthers.
With the use of five categories, here is a breakdown of who stands out from the duo as the ideal choice:
Accuracy
EDGE: Stroud
This category was nearly a draw — but we will give the slight edge to Stroud due to his ball-placement consistency.
While both quarterbacks are extremely accurate, Stroud gets the edge due to his consistent ability to throw his receivers open. Stroud has the ability to lead his receivers with the ball, and that, in turn, can lead to big yards-after-catch plays.
Still, Young is very good at getting the ball to his receivers, as he is a noted point guard-like distributor. However, at times, the ball can be a bit off in hitting the target because of his trademark off-scheduled throws.
Stroud also had a better college career completion percentage (69%) than Young (65.8%).
Mobility
EDGE: Young
Young runs away (pun intended) with this category based on relatively consistent evidence.
While Stroud displayed his wheels against Georgia in the College Football Playoff, the Ohio State quarterback typically avoided taking off beyond the line of scrimmage in college. Stroud even admitted that he wished ran more for the Buckeyes during the NFL combine in February in Indianapolis.
Young was an occasional contributor in the running game for Alabama, and actually scored seven times on the ground during his two years as a starter. Stroud scored once as a freshman backup — an impressive 48-yard carry for a touchdown — but he did not reach the end zone as a starter.
Size
EDGE: Stroud
The Panthers have said that Young’s 5-foot-10, 204-pound frame isn’t a concern. However, Stroud is clearly built like a prototypical NFL quarterback at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds.
Stroud falls in line with Reich’s longtime quarterback archetypes (Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, Nick Foles, Andrew Luck and Matt Ryan), as he is a tall pocket passer. But typecasting Reich’s choice might be unfair given the variables that have gone along with him picking his quarterbacks in the past.
If the Panthers are comfortable with Young’s short stature and slender frame, this category won’t weigh a lot in the decision-making process. Stroud has the clear size advantage, but Carolina might not care in the grand scheme of things.
Young’s size doesn’t seem to have a ton of impact on his field vision or ability to avoid batted balls. Young has a high release on his throws, which usually mitigates the typical concern of blocked shots at the line for shorter passers.
Ball protection
EDGE: Draw
Both Young and Stroud have protected the ball well during the past two years.
Young had seven interceptions during 2021 Heisman trophy-winning campaign. He then cut down that interception total to five last season.
Stroud tossed six interceptions in each of two years as a starter. So, both Young and Stroud coughed up 12 interceptions total during their amateur careers.
Improvisation/dynamic play
EDGE: Young
Young has the clear edge here. His ability to consistently marry the passing game with his pocket mobility is what makes him a dynamic player.
The Alabama quarterback does a nice job of using his mobility to his advantage in the pocket, and he is able to buy time effectively before releasing the ball or taking off.
Stroud is very much a pocket passer. While he can move around the pocket, he isn’t much of an improviser. At times, he will scurry out of the pocket when he doesn’t need to, and that will lead to mistakes. He also has a tendency, at times, to lock on receiving targets.
Young, despite his small size, is able to make off-scheduled plays with regularity. He is seemingly fearless with contact, and he understands how to leverage his mobility against an opposing pass rush.
Summary
The choice between Young and Stroud really comes down to how much the Panthers weigh the size component of this debate. If size doesn’t matter much, Young comes off as the more dynamic prospect with a higher upside.
Both quarterbacks are accurate and great at protecting the ball. Both quarterbacks can also make every throw in the book.
However, if both players were the same size, Young would be the runaway choice at the position because of his proven history of dynamic play. While Young will never be confused for Jalen Hurts or Lamar Jackson, the Alabama product has proven that he can consistently extend plays with his legs — inside and outside of the pocket.
While both players would be excellent choices for the Panthers with the first overall pick, Young appears to be the right choice — especially if the Panthers aren’t concerned about his long-term durability as a size outlier.
Former NFL scout-turned-draft-analyst Daniel Jeremiah has compared Young to former first overall pick Joe Burrow. His colleagues at NFL.com have also compared Young to Drew Brees. The Panthers would be thrilled if either of those comparisons rang true for Young, who is considered to be the favorite to go No. 1.
Stroud also has the makings of an excellent NFL quarterback, and if the Panthers pass on him, there will be a continued debate for years to come — especially if Young can’t hold up physically as franchise signal-calller.
This story was originally published April 27, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
