Panthers QB Bryce Younger Impresses, Exhibits ‘Full Command’ in First NFL Observe

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Bryce Younger arrived early for his first NFL observe, then placed on a present for his new coaches.

The No. 1 general choose from Alabama made an ideal first impression at Friday’s rookie minicamp, wowing coach Frank Reich and others with a sequence of on-target throws whereas displaying poise within the pocket and good decision-making expertise.

“I don’t wish to overdo it on the primary day, however he did each little factor proper,” Reich mentioned. “The little throws out within the flat, the little bubble display stuff, the deep over (the highest) throws, throws within the flat. … He simply threw it with accuracy, noticed (the sphere) effectively and knew the place guys had been imagined to be.

Reich mentioned Younger confirmed “full command” of the offense.

After being chosen forward of childhood good friend C.J. Stroud from Ohio State within the draft, Younger mentioned he was desperate to get on the sphere and show himself.

He wasn’t kidding round.

Younger arrived on the observe discipline almost an hour earlier than the listed begin time, and effectively earlier than many of the media had arrived to snap an image or seize a video of him arriving in his No. 9 jersey.

“I wished to set a tone,” Younger mentioned. “I used to be simply right here making an attempt to get stuff down like all of us had been. On this rookie minicamp we’ve got talked concerning the themes of the crew, and certainly one of them is ensuring we’re ready. I feel all of us wish to make the very best first impression that we will.”

A number of of Younger’s completions in the course of the non-padded observe went to Jonathan Mingo, the crew’s second-round draft choose from Mississippi — a connection the Panthers hope will develop into particular for years to come back.

On a crossing route, Mingo caught a superbly thrown spiral in stride earlier than rapidly turning up the sphere towards the top zone.

“I have been on the alternative aspect of Bryce for the final two years (in school) and I am 0-2 towards him, so it’s a blessing to finally be on his side,” Mingo mentioned. “We’ve to maintain constructing our chemistry and assist the crew win. Simply preserve practising, Working towards makes us higher. He is making me higher and I am making him higher.”

Between performs, Younger obtained teaching from longtime NFL quarterback Josh McCown, the crew’s new QBs coach. Mingo took some recommendation from former Panthers extensive receiver and NFL analyst Steve Smith, who stopped by to see the rookies.

Mingo mentioned he was impressed with Younger’s presence within the huddle, which included critical moments and others the place they joked round and loved the music being pumped in by way of audio system on the sidelines.

Mingo mentioned Younger is “poised, relaxed and clean” within the pocket, at all times realizing the place he needs to go along with the ball.

“He does not assume an excessive amount of,” Mingo mentioned. “He simply goes out and has enjoyable.”

Carolina has loads invested in Younger after buying and selling away 4 draft picks and extensive receiver D.J. Moore to maneuver as much as the No. 1 general choose.

Panthers proprietor David Tepper mentioned he is relying on Younger to steer the franchise to a number of Tremendous Bowl titles after 5 seasons by which the crew hasn’t discovered a long-term reply at quarterback.

The Panthers have not made the playoffs since 2017, the 12 months earlier than Tepper purchased the crew.

Whereas questions will proceed to linger about Younger’s 5-foot-10, 204-pound stature till he can show he is tall sufficient and powerful sufficient to play within the NFL, the early impressions he made Friday had been all optimistic.

Reich mentioned that Younger “mentally and bodily, he seemed the half in each means.”

“He threw the ball exceedingly effectively,” Reich added. “You possibly can inform he was in a great house mentally. He actually had a agency grasp on every thing we requested.”

Younger made certain he was ready coming in, not simply by learning the playbook.

He is spent months taking in recommendation from all kinds of individuals on the NFL degree, each present and former, about how greatest to transition to the league. That included a number of talks with former Crimson Tide quarterback Mac Jones, now with the New England Patriots.

Younger mentioned Jones has been “tremendous gracious” speaking to him about various points.

“I wish to do every thing I can to set myself up to achieve success and to assist the franchise,” Younger mentioned. “Lots of people have helped me. I’ll preserve leaning on the individuals who have had success and been doing it longer than I’ve.”

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