Every team in the NFL has the ability to invite up to 30 prospects to their facility before the draft. These visits give the teams a chance to interview the prospects, watch film, and get to know them on an individual basis. Alabama quarterback Bryce Young has been rumored to be one of the first, if not the first prospect selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Carolina Panthers traded up for the first pick overall with the clear intention of selecting a quarterback. After Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud held his Pro Day in March some on-field cameras caught a conversation that many believed all but confirmed the Panthers were intent on drafting Stroud.
Josh McCown to CJ Stroud: “Maybe when you live in Charlotte we’ll find a court.”
— Panthers On Tap (@PanthersOnTap) March 22, 2023
Taking about a game of horse. pic.twitter.com/7KzT9Nr8II
On April 17, 2023, the rumors surrounding Stroud becoming a Panther shifted to Bryce Young after it was announced that Young canceled all his remaining pre-draft visits. The cancellations came after Young met with the Panthers on April 11 and then the Houston Texans the following day. Young met with the Las Vegas Raiders as well but that was prior to his trips to Carolina and Houston.
Alabama QB Bryce Young has canceled his remaining pre-draft visits, per sources — another sign to back up belief within the league that the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner will be the #Panthers’ pick at No. 1 overall.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 17, 2023
Young also visited the #Texans, who draft No. 2. pic.twitter.com/3Pg53t15ce
This type of move indicates that Young has received assurances that he will be selected within the top 2 picks in the draft therefore additional visits would be a waste of his time. The Texans have been rumored to not be selecting a quarterback with the 2nd pick overall which could make the 3rd overall pick held by the Arizona Cardinals a coveted commodity.
The Panthers have a chance to make a dramatic change at the quarterback position, which is a skill position they have been unable to fill successfully since Cam Newton departed. Bryce Young now has the ability to relax and prepare for the first night of the 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City, Missouri.
Young won’t be waiting long that night as the first name called out by Commissioner Roger Goodell will likely be his.