13 May 2023 , 16:07
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Bryce Young was put through his paces for the first time with the Carolina Panthers in their first practice session of the season, coming with mixed reviews.
Carolina traded two first round draft picks, a second and a third along as well as star wide out DJ Moore to acquire the number one draft pick - in order to take Young with the first overall pick.
Young was seen as the most talented quarterback in the class, after two impressive seasons as Alabama's quarterback. But while the 21-year-old was seen as the right pick to make for the Panthers, it wasn't without scepticism, with the offensive-leader being one of the shortest and slightest quarterbacks in NFL history.
In recent seasons especially, shorter quarterbacks such as Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield have struggled - with the league becoming more pass-heavy.
The issues have come with throwing the ball over the middle of the field, with the quarterback having to see clearly over offensive lineman who could be as much as eight inches taller than them.
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And in his first practice with the Panthers, many fans had noticed how short the quarterback had looked.
The majority of comments under the video posted by the Panthers mentioned Young's height, with one saying: "I cannot get over how small he looks," and another stating: "He looks noticeably smaller than Kyler (Murray) and (Russell) Wilson."
Young himself has played down any concerns, insisting several times through the build-up to the NFL Draft that there was nothing he could do about his height.
Bryce Young shakes hands with commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected first overall pickHead coach Frank Reich had nothing but positive things to say about the number one pick's first showing on the practice field: "Bryce made a great impression. Obviously, mentally and physically, (he) looked the part in every way. Threw the ball exceedingly well.
"You could tell he was in a good space mentally. Really had a firm grasp on everything we asked."
Although being impressed with his first day, and him likely to be the day one starter, Reich also said that it is not guaranteed and that as of now, Young will be the number two.
He said: "He’ll have to earn it. Obviously, that’s the way it should be. We’ll know when the right time is. He’s got enough going on right now. I just want him to come in and learn the offense and not have to worry about stepping into the limelight.
"Just come in, learn the offense, get to know these guys. When we step out onto the field the first time, he’ll be in that No. 2 spot."