Bryce Young Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Bryce Young primed to take over as Panthers starter despite current role

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 5/22/23

The Carolina Panthers held their first day of voluntary OTAs on Monday with both Andy Dalton and Bryce Young in attendance.

Despite Dalton's current spot atop the Panthers depth chart, based on observations from beat reporters and words from head coach Frank Reich and Dalton himself, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick seems primed to take over as the starter any day now.

Frank Reich: “It’s good for Bryce to see Andy handle things the way he handles them…” says Young is picking things up fast. Dalton takes first reps but then Young comes in and takes the majority of them with the 1s. #Panthers
— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) May 22, 2023

Asked how Bryce Young handled mixing in with the veterans and commanding the huddle, #Panthers HC Frank Reich starts by saying: “It was 10 out of 10…”
— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) May 22, 2023

Andy Dalton: “I know the situation here. I know the reality that this thing is gonna be Bryce’s at some point.” #Panthers
— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) May 22, 2023

Hearing that Young was already taking the majority of the reps on the opening day of OTAs, having Reich calling his performance a "10 out of 10" and with the "Red Rifle" admitting to knowing his role, the rookie could officially claim the starting gig before summer officially begins.

At the beginning of May, Reich said Young would have to "earn" the starting job, but that was likely just a case of trying to say the right thing.

Carolina took a big chance this offseason by trading up to the No. 1 selection, giving up four draft picks (including a 2023 first- and second rounder), as well as standout wide receiver D.J. Moore.

Young should have a decent chance at immediate success when he takes over, as Dalton and Reich will help his transition into the NFL and the offense has solid weapons in two-time Pro Bowl wideout in Adam Thielen and 2022 Pro Bowl running back in Miles Sanders. The rest of the NFC South is facing serious questions as well, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers expected to drop off after the second retirement of Tom Brady, the Atlanta Falcons being led by an unproven signal-caller in Desmond Ridder and the New Orleans Saints undergoing an offseason makeover with the pickup of quarterback Derek Carr.

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