Analysis: Carolina’s decision to draft Bryce Young over C.J. Stroud requires accountability
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Drafting Bryce Young over C.J. Stroud is even more disastrous for Carolina now that the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner has been benched just two games into his second season.
It may end up being one of the worst draft decisions in NFL history.
Stroud went No. 2 overall to the Houston Texans last year, led them from worst to first in the AFC South and a playoff victory, earning AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. He’s helped the Texans to a 2-0 start this season.
Meanwhile, first-year Panthers coach Dave Canales is turning to veteran Andy Dalton after Young looked dreadful in the first two games. Young is 2-16 as a starter and faces an uncertain future in Carolina.
The decision to select Young over Stroud demands accountability.
The Panthers already fired coach Frank Reich after a 1-10 start in his first season with the team last year and dismissed general manager Scott Fitterer following the completion of a 2-15 season.
But there’s strong thought around the league that owner David Tepper preferred Young and heavily influenced the decision to draft him over Stroud.
If so, that