Bryce Young Named Breakout QB by ESPN Analyst

After a rocky rookie season, and an up and down second season that left many questioning if the Carolina Panthers had made the right call with the No. 1 overall pick, ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky is throwing his full support behind Bryce Young, and he’s not doing it quietly.

“If I had to bet on one, it would be Bryce,” Orlovsky said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show earlier this week. “I just think what he went through last year and not breaking… and then the success he had at the end of the season, it says a lot.”

That statement should jolt Panthers fans wide awake.

Orlovsky, a former NFL quarterback himself, is known for his detailed film breakdowns and thoughtful analysis. And his praise for Young goes well beyond platitudes, it’s rooted in what he sees as real growth and, more importantly, a far better environment in Year 3.

A Stronger Foundation Around Young

Much of Orlovsky’s confidence comes from the changes Carolina has made this offseason. He specifically pointed to the arrival of first-round pick Tetairoa McMillan, a 6-foot-4 wideout from Arizona known for his physicality and catch radius.

“You’re talking 6’4” and 6’4” on the perimeter, they’re just physically a problem,” Orlovsky said, referencing McMillan and former first round pick Xavier Legette. “I love the Tet McMillan addition.”

That duo, paired with an improved offensive line and a more stable offensive scheme under head coach Dave Canales, has Orlovsky drawing comparisons to the Arthur Smith led 2019 Titans offense that featured A.J. Brown and Corey Davis, both big-bodied targets that elevated quarterback play through sheer physical dominance.