The Charlotte Observer's Scott Fowler believes that Panthers QB Bryce Young's play early in camp will "lead to a really good —and possibly great — season for him." Fowler said Young had the "best practice I’ve ever seen him have" on Wednesday. "It was impossible to look away as No. 9 made one dazzling throw after another, firing the ball into windows the size of portholes," Fowler added.
What They're Saying
HC Dave Canales on Young: "Bryce is continuing to just take the next steps. What I see from Bryce right now is just ownership and mastery of the concepts."
CB Jaycee Horn: “I kind of notice Bryce is trusting his receivers more, putting the ball in the air, letting them come make plays. They whooped our ass today for most of the practice, but you know? It’s good to see that too, just because we know we’re coming in with some firepower on the offensive side of the ball, and it’s gonna help us on Sundays.”
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Practice Hype Shouldn't Erase History
Young has been one of the worst QBs in the NFL over the last three seasons by most measures. Among 37 QBs with 500+ pass attempts since 2023, Young ranks:
- 34th in completion rate
- 36th in yards per attempt
- 36th in adjusted yards per attempt
- 31st in TD rate
- 35th in success rate
- 35th in passer rating
He's been a non-factor in fantasy, finishing QB38, QB26, and QB28 in points per game.
Young took a leap from a disastrous rookie year to a just-plain-bad 2024. But he flattened out last year, mustering only 6.3 yards per attempt.
Young turned 25 earlier this month, so another leap remains possible. But a few strong training camp practices don't erase three poor seasons.
We're still not betting on Young emerging as a difference-maker in real life or fantasy football. But his progress is at least worth monitoring the rest of the summer.
Other Winners & Losers: McMillan's Ceiling Depends On Young
Improved play from Young would be big for Tetairoa McMillan, who already looks like one of the league's best young WRs. We're well below ADP on McMillan, but that gap is driven entirely by our pessimism on Young.
Even average QB play could push McMillan toward WR1 production.
