Panthers HC Frank Reich gives update on QB depth chart after drafting Bryce Young

The Carolina Panthers selected Bryce Young with the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but the former Alabama quarterback will have to earn his spot atop the depth chart this summer.

"He’ll have to earn it. Obviously, that’s the way it should be. We’ll know when the right time is," Panthers coach Frank Reich said, per Joe Person of The Athletic. "He’s got enough going on right now. I just want him to come in and learn the offense and not have to worry about stepping into the limelight. Just come in, learn the offense, get to know these guys. When we step out onto the field the first time, he’ll be in that No. 2 spot."

Carolina gave up a ton to move up to the No. 1 selection, trading four draft picks (including a 2023 first- and second rounder), as well as standout wide receiver D.J. Moore in exchange for the top pick. Days after landing the No. 1 selection, the Panthers signed veteran three-time Pro Bowl signal-caller Andy Dalton. The 35-year-old is expected to open OTAs later this month as the Panthers No. 1 quarterback but will likely give way to Young later in the summer, by Week 1 or early in the 2023 season.

Dalton should be a great mentor for Young until the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner is ready to be the starter. The "Red Rifle" is entering his 13th NFL season with his fifth different team, all of which have come in the past five years.

Dalton isn't the player he once was, but certainly isn't some seldom-used journeyman either. Dalton started and played in 14 games with the New Orleans Saints last season (his most since 2017), going 6-8 with a career-high 66.7% completion percentage for 2,871 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

In many cases, a rookie quarterback is thrown into a very difficult situation with limited offensive weapons, an inexperienced head coach and/or questionable quarterback depth on the roster. Young will not only have Dalton and Reich to help his transition into the NFL, but a two-time Pro Bowl wideout in Adam Thielen and 2022 Pro Bowl running back in Miles Sanders to help the cause as well.