The Carolina Panthers put a lot of faith in Bryce Young when they traded up to number one overall to select him as their franchise quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, that investment hasn’t led to much success, with Young recording only seven wins across his first two seasons. One NFL insider is predicting a reversal of Young’s fortune as the leader of the Panthers’ offense.
NFL Spin Zone analyst Lou Scataglia recently predicted Young to become a top-15 NFL quarterback in 2025. He cited improved talent and another year of good coaching as his primary reasons.
“With the Panthers having added more talent in the backfield and Tet McMillan in the 2025 NFL Draft, the stage is set for Young to break out,” said Scataglia.
Panthers HC Dave Canales is regarded by some as a quarterback guru. He previously worked with Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield before taking the Panthers job. Both Mayfield and Smith were first-round picks who were dumped by the teams that drafted them. Another year under Canales may see Young undergo the same transformation.
First round WR named as huge boost for Bryce Young
After being benched for six weeks during the 2024 season, Young became a completely different player in his final seven starts. While only posting a 2-5 record in those starts, he threw 11 touchdowns to just three interceptions in those starts. In comparison, Young threw just four touchdowns to six interceptions in his previous 5 starts.
This turnaround in their young quarterback prompted the Panthers to invest heavily in offense in the 2025 NFL draft. The team selected Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan with the eighth overall pick. McMillan is a big-bodied receiver who is widely recognized for his ability to make contested catches.
Veteran Panthers receiver Adam Thielen is especially excited about what McMillan brings to the offense and how that impacts Bryce Young.
In an interview with profootballnetwork.com ,Thielen praised McMillan’s work ethic and off-field presence.
“Mentally, his natural ability to understand the game … I haven’t been around too many guys that it just comes so easily to them this early … the playbook, the little intricacies, the game within the game. That has really stuck out to me,” said Thielen.
Thielen went on to praise Young’s own mental fortitude and ability to adjust his game on the fly. If the Young and McMillan can mesh on the field, the Panthers could be in for a big turnaround. The best QB/WR duos around the league are built on natural chemistry and a deep understanding of the playbook.
Greg Olsen and fans giddy about 2025 season prospects
A new weapon on offense and growth from Young have former Panthers great Greg Olsen excited about the future for the Panthers. Olsen reminded fans that the quarterback position is the most important one in the NFL. If the Panthers want to win, they need to continue developing Bryce Young and ride the momentum.
“I think Bryce really showed his true colors last year and that was really impressive,” Olsen said. “I think for the Panthers going into this year, hopefully that continues to improve and they continue to build the roster around him.”
Panthers fans are also feeling optimistic. Many feel that the ceiling has been raised for the team in 2025 and beyond.
Fans on the r/panthers subreddit cited culture changes and young talent as reasons for hope.
“I am not typically a very optimistic fan until the team proves something to me,but I feel like this team is already proving something. They are building the culture, you can see it in interviews and sideline reports that players want to be here and see what we are building. Anything less than at minimum a 9-8 record would be disappointing for me,” commented one fan.
Overall, the Panthers still have a lot to prove to their fans and the rest of the league. While there are many reasons for optimism, only time will tell if Bryce Young can lead this franchise to the ultimate prize.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Bryce Young predicted to reverse fortune for the Panthers alongside rookie WR appeared first on Heavy Sports.