BryceYoung

News: 3 days agoYoung completed 25 of 32 passes for 204 yards in Sunday's 21-13 loss to the Vikings. He also rushed twice for 10 yards but was sacked five times and had a fumble returned for a touchdown.

Spin: Young returned from his one-week absence to post personal bests in completions and passing yards, but his performance wasn't enough to earn a first victory. In fact, Young's fumble during the third quarter saw Carolina fall behind and never recover. Without any touchdowns, either, it was another learning experience for the rookie No. 1 pick.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Young was selected by the Panthers with the No. 1 pick of the 2023 NFL draft. The Alabama product's biggest knock is his slight frame (5'10", 204 lbs.), but he easily overcame it with the Crimson Tide, posting this QB class' best INT rate (1.3%) and off-target throw rate (8.3%) while producing 86 TDs in 27 starts. It's rare for rookie QBs to find themselves worthy of starting consideration in fantasy, with the exceptions highly productive with their legs. That's not expected to be the case for Young, an undersized pocket passer. Young's supporting cast has a ways to go, as well (DJ Chark and Adam Thielen are his top receivers), so this will be a building-block year for the 21-year-old. Young has big long-term upside, but expect fringe QB2 production in 2023.