Panthers' Bryce Young again addresses size concerns

Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young is still addressing concerns about his size heading into his first NFL training camp. 

"For me, I focus on what I can control," Young said during a conversation with Yahoo Sports senior NFL reporter Jori Epstein. "I know who I am and I know what I can do and I've been the same size relative to the people around me for pretty much my whole life." 

Young answered questions regarding his height and weight throughout the draft process after he measured at 5-foot-10 1/8 and weighed 204 pounds at the combine. Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer repeatedly said he had no concerns about Young's size both before and after Fitterer made the former Alabama Crimson Tide star the first overall pick of the draft, and individuals such as former Panthers starter Cam Newton and Carolina quarterbacks coach Josh McCown have also insisted the 21-year-old can make all the necessary throws to succeed at the highest level. 

Per David Newton of ESPN, head coach Frank Reich indicated during mandatory minicamp that Young's lack of ideal size for playing the sport's most important position wasn't an issue during springtime practices. 

"I actually thought we'd see a whole lot more balls batted down since we're not going live and we're telling them not to hit the quarterback," Reich explained. "I didn't think much about it."

Teammates such as wide receiver Adam Thielen spoke highly of Young as the first-year pro worked to leapfrog veteran Andy Dalton on the depth chart. Meanwhile, Young is doing all he can to ignore detractors who say he's too small to consistently win and stay healthy while facing NFL defenses up to 17 times a season. 

"I tell everyone that they’re entitled to their own opinion," Young said. "I think that’s the beauty of sports. We all like certain plays, we all root for certain guys. I'm grateful for everyone who takes the time to have an opinion and to invest in sports and to pay attention." 

Barring an injury setback, Young should receive his first true opportunity to silence critics when the Panthers open the regular season at the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 10.