Report: Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud perceived as ‘frontrunners’ for Panthers’ No. 1 pick

Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud were 1A and 1B from the very start of the 2022 playing season. And now, over half a year later, that may still be the case heading into the 2023 NFL draft.

On Wednesday, Stroud took the field for his pro day—one that hosted a whopping 14 representatives from the Carolina Panthers. It also hosted Joe Person of The Athletic, who came away from Columbus thinking the Ohio State star and his Alabama peer are the current favorites to be selected No. 1 overall by those diligent Panthers.

Person writes:

The Teppers, Frank Reich, Scott Fitterer, et al, took Stroud to dinner on Tuesday night, which Stroud said focused more on “life and personal stuff” than anything. As for the football, Stroud’s scripted workout showed off the accuracy that is his calling card. He completed 44-of-51 throws, with two dropped passes and five incompletions — all of which came on throws to his left. If the Panthers have made up their mind about who they’re taking No. 1, they’re keeping it close to the vest. But the sense here is that Stroud and Young are the frontrunners.

The two are this class’ most productive and decorated quarterbacks, by far. Young—the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner—passed for 8,200 yards, 79 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his pair of seasons as a starter. Stroud—a 2022 Heisman finalist—pieced together 8,123 yards, 85 scores and 12 picks in his two starting campaigns.

And similarly to those numbers, Carolina’s choice between Young and Stroud may be a razor-thin one. But until then, the tour continues on Thursday—with the former’s pro day in Tuscaloosa.