Predicting Bryce Young's stats in his second year as the Carolina Panthers' starter

After an offseason where the Carolina Panthers prioritized finding second-year quarterback Bryce Young offensive help, it is time to see if the Alabama product can finally live up to his No. 1 pick billing. 

Carolina traded for Diontae Johnson, the former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver. The team also traded up to draft wide receiver Xavier Legette in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Then there is rebuilding the running game alongside the emphasis on tight-end production under new head coach Dave Canales. 

But will all of these changes make a difference for Young? Well, if anyone asks Canales, they already have. 

"He's doing fantastic with it," Canales said of Young embracing the offense. "The depth, the footwork for Bryce. … So that's the approach right now. So, as I expect him to do, he's really mastered that part of it."

Under Frank Reich, Young had several voices in his ear. In recent memory, what came was one of the worst rookie seasons for a No. 1 overall pick. 

He threw for a pedestrian 2,877 yards, 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Young also notched a 29th-best QBR of 33.4. 

With Canales, he has a coach who is quarterback-oriented. That should help Young. Canales helped rebuild Baker Mayfield's career, the same can be said for Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith. 

So, with all that being said, what type of production should the Panthers expect from Young heading into year two? 

The prediction: I expect Young – with the offensive tools he has at his disposal – to have a 62 percent completion percentage while throwing for 3,624 yards, 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

To compliment his efforts in the passing game, I could also see Young running for 300 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

The result: If Young can muster production as predicted, it wouldn't be shocking to see the Panthers make a run at the NFL playoffs. The NFC South isn't the strongest division in the league. A quality season from Young could change the Panthers' fortunes dramatically.