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Quarterback Bryce Young Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK

New favorite emerges for first overall pick in 2023 NFL Draft

By Colum Dell | Last updated 4/11/23

Following Carolina's trade to land the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud dethroned Alabama's Bryce Young as the betting favorite to be its selection. With less than three weeks until Commissioner Roger Goodell announces the pick, the odds have changed again.

According to OddsChecker, Young has re-emerged as the heavy favorite to be the first pick at -225 odds. Sportsbooks predict Stroud will not have to wait long to hear his name called, as he's -118 to be the second overall pick, held by the Houston Texans.

Over the last week, the line has moved slightly, but the most significant shift occurred ahead of Young's top-30 visit with the Panthers on Tuesday. Young was reportedly "impressive" during his interview with the team's brass, per Fox Sports Charlotte's Will Kunkel.

While Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, is worthy of being the top pick, it's surprising that Stroud no longer appears to be a top choice. It's even more unexpected considering Panthers QBs coach Josh McCown seemed to imply that Stroud would be Carolina's selection in a video captured at Ohio State's Pro Day last month.

"We'll find a court, play some HORSE," McCown said to Stroud, "Maybe when you live in Charlotte, we'll find a court."

#OhioState QB C.J. Stroud meets with #Panthers contingent after his Pro Day. QB Coach Josh McCown says "You spun it well, bro, that was great. That was awesome.

Then the two proceed to schedule a game of horse, Stroud saying "I'm gonna take his money."

: @shawndunagan pic.twitter.com/UIWFY1DvUe
— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) March 22, 2023

It's of note that ESPN's Adam Schefter reported last month that Carolina owner David Tepper "loves" Young while new HC Frank Reich prefers Stroud. Perhaps it's simply a matter of the owner's decision behind Young's surge in odds.

Young's stellar collegiate career would justify his selection regardless of who is responsible for Carolina's draft strategy. Recruited as the No. 1 quarterback prospect out of high school, he lived up to expectations in Tuscaloosa. In two seasons as the Crimson Tide's starter, Young posted a 23-4 record, throwing for 8,200 yards, 79 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Bryce Young’s best NFL comp is _____. pic.twitter.com/7lLWVxfwHM
— Jack Caporuscio (@Caporuscio_Jack) April 7, 2023

The only knock against Young is his 5-foot-10, 204-pound frame and how it will hold up in the NFL. However, Panthers GM Scott Fitterer, who was with the Seahawks when they drafted 5-foot-11 QB Russell Wilson, said he "doesn't see height as a factor" in Young's case.

When Carolina acquired the first pick, Fitterer told reporters the deal was to select a quarterback, and the organization was optimistic about multiple prospects. The closer draft day approaches, the more it seems Young will be the selection, but nothing is certain. It'll be a fascinating situation to monitor in the coming weeks.

The NFL Draft, hosted in Kansas City, will kick off on April 27.

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