Panthers HC praises QB Bryce Young after first day of rookie minicamp

It was only Bryce Young's first day of rookie mini-camp, but Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich likes what he sees from the No. 1 overall pick.

"I don't wanna overdo it on the first day, but he did every little thing right," Reich said in a Friday news conference. "(He) threw the ball exceedingly well. You can tell he was in a good space mentally. Really had a firm grasp on everything we asked."

Since 2018, the Panthers have been a conveyor belt at quarterback, rotating through eight different starters. Hearing that Young already has a sharp mindset as a rookie is a great sign for Carolina because they need him to become the face of the franchise. 

The Panthers signed free-agent QB Andy Dalton to a two-year deal in free agency. General manager Scott Fitterer recently told NBC Sports' "Pro Football Talk" that "he's the starter right now heading into the season." 

However, the Panthers already indicated they believe Young is the future. They traded two first-rounders (and more) to acquire the No. 1 pick from Chicago and select him.

Young displayed immense potential at the University of Alabama. He threw for Alabama's second-most TDs (80) in three seasons. In 2021, he became the fourth player to win the Heisman in program history.

Reich is a good HC for Young because he maximizes QBs. When he served as Eagles OC in 2017, Carson Wentz threw a career-high 33 TDs and finished third in MVP voting. Former Colts QB Andrew Luck won 2018 Comeback Player of the Year and threw 39 TDs when Reich was HC. 

Perhaps Young and Reich will strike a partnership that turns Carolina around.