12 July 2023 , 18:25
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The Carolina Panthers have already given huge indications that they plan to start number one draft pick Bryce Young - one of the more interesting quarterbacks prospects to enter the league.
Standing at just 5-foot-10-inches and playing at around 190lbs, Young will be the smallest and slightest quarterback to ever play in the NFL. But he is also incredibly gifted and being tipped to make a big impact at the next level.
One defensive player who will be coming up against him twice a year, Atlanta Falcons star Grady Jarrett, knows something about being written off because of his height, being an undersized defensive tackle. And Jarrett is certainly not doubting what Young can do this upcoming season despite some having concerns over his size.
Asked about Young's size on Good Morning Football, Jarrett said: "I think the man was drafted number one for a reason - and I think we’re all gonna find out a while, over time.
"So you gotta give him his due credit until he proves otherwise. So it is what it is and we gotta prepare for him."
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Jarrett was also a player who was overlooked because of his height. He fell to the fifth round in the draft despite being an incredible athlete at Clemson due to standing at just 6-foot. Jarrett has gone on to become a two-time Pro Bowler and has earned second-team All-Pro honours, while registering 32.5 sacks as an interior lineman - an impressive feat.
Young was seen as the most talented quarterbacks in the class, after two impressive seasons with Alabama - winning the Heisman Trophy in 2021. But many analysts had been concerned due to his lack of height something that has hampered quarterbacks in the league in recent years with offenses becoming more pass-heavy.
Quarterback Bryce Young has looked noticeably smaller than his teammatesStanding at just 5'10 will almost certainly hamper Young's ability to see the middle of the field, while having to look over his offensive lineman - who could be as tall as 6'8. That's an issue Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray have struggled with - especially in the last two years with offenses throwing towards the middle of the field more often.
Panthers new head coach Frank Reich has had nothing but positive things to say so far though, after impressing teammates in practice.
He said: "Bryce made a great impression. Obviously, mentally and physically, (he) looked the part in every way. Threw the ball exceedingly well. You could tell he was in a good space mentally. Really had a firm grasp on everything we asked."