Panthers' Bryce Young finally ready to live up to his No. 1 pick status in year two

Bryce Young is ready to live up to his 2023 No. 1 pick status. 

After a difficult rookie season that saw him sacked repeatedly and claim only two wins, Young is ready to put last season's struggles behind him. Heading into the 2024 NFL draft, he is ready to be the absolute best version of himself. 

"I just want to be the best version I can," Young said this week, via the team website’s Darin Gantt. "Obviously, we have a lot of changes in the system. New coaching staff, a couple of new pieces. So, it's going to be a great opportunity for us to grow and build together. But, I think as a team, individually, all combined, I think we learned a lot and grew a lot. Obviously, it was not the year we wanted to have last year. But, you know, you're able to learn from those experiences."

Young's rookie season saw him tally 2,877 yards, 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. It was far from the most productive rookie seasons seen by an NFL quarterback.

According to NFL research, Young's 12.5 winning percentage was second-worst to only Jared Goff with the Los Angeles Rams. 

But that is now going to change.

With the addition of Diontae Johnson, the signing of Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, along with the additions the Panthers are set to make during the draft, Carolina's roster is already better than where it was a season ago. 

That will make all the difference. As Young prepares for his second season, he merely wants to be the best version of himself, living up to his No. 1 potential.