Ranking the NFL Starting Quarterbacks
#25 Bryce Young (Carolina Panthers)
It was a rough rookie season for Bryce Young. Not just because the Panthers finished 2-15 and got their head coach fired along the way. Young was under duress from start to finish behind an offensive line that often rolled out the red carpet for opposing pass rushers.
Not to mention, Young often had nowhere to go with the ball as his receiving corps lacked explosion or the ability to separate.
Many even started uttering the “B” word about Young. Is he on his way to being a bust?
But as I wrote several weeks ago, there is reason to be optimistic about Bryce Young. Namely, he didn’t look lost on the field like most rookie QBs do. He showed that he understands how to play the position, getting the ball to the right place and often processing quickly and calmly from the pocket:
He showed the ability to throw with anticipation on a regular basis as well:
His 2023 stats indicate that he should be closer to dead-last on this list. But the traits he exhibited in the face of one of the worst situations for a rookie quarterback in recent memory are what have him higher.
The good news for Young is that he’ll have a drastically improved environment around him in 2024. New Panthers Head Coach Dave Canales comes over from the Buccaneers, where last year he rejuvenated the career of another 1st-overall pick in Baker Mayfield.
Carolina has improved the offensive line as well, particularly on the interior, adding right guard Robert Hunt from the Dolphins and left guard Damien Lewis from the Seahawks. Keeping the inside free of pass rushers is critical for a quarterback of Young’s size.
Their receiving corps also figures to be improved with the additions of Diontae Johnson and rookie Xavier Legette. We should see more separation and big plays through the air.
The physical limitations (size and arm strength) will always be a concern with Young. But he has the traits needed to excel despite them. Last year, he showed many of those traits in the midst of a terrible situation. As long as he gets some help, he can right the ship and get back to where he was supposed to be in his second season.
Check out the rest of the rankings here:
#32 Bo Nix (Denver Broncos)
#31 Drake Maye (New England Patriots)
#30 J.J. McCarthy (Minnesota Vikings)
#29 Gardner Minshew (Las Vegas Raiders)
#28 Will Levis (Tennessee Titans)
#27 Deshaun Watson (Cleveland Browns)
#26 Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts)
#25 Bryce Young (Carolina Panthers)
#24 Daniel Jones (New York Giants)
#23 Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders)
#22 Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears)
#21 Geno Smith (Seattle Seahawks)
#20 Russell Wilson (Pittsburgh Steelers)
#19 Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints)
#18 Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
#17 Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals)
#16 Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars)
#15 Jared Goff (Detroit Lions)
#14 Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins)
#13 Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons)
#12 Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles)
#11 Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers)
#10 Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers)
#9 Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys)
#8 C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans)
#7 Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers)
#6 Aaron Rodgers (New York Jets)
#5 Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams)
#4 Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens)
#3 Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)
#2 Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)
#1 Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs)