Rookie Quarterback Bryce Young Leading the Charge Amid Record-Breaking Start for Rookies
After diving headfirst into the role of rookie quarterback for the Carolina Panthers this season, Bryce Young has had a lot on his plate — from position meetings to film study to dealing with yet another change at the offensive play-caller post. With so much to manage, Young admits that he hasn’t been keeping up with every development around the league, including the status of other members of his rookie quarterback draft class. However, with a record-breaking 10 rookie quarterbacks starting games halfway through the season, Young has likely crossed paths with many of them without even realizing it.
Including the No.1 pick in this year’s draft (Young), the list of rookie quarterbacks who have already started games in 2023 spans from renowned college football power Alabama, where Young honed his skills, all the way down to an undrafted free agent from Division II Shepherd University in West Virginia (the Chicago Bears’ Tyson Bagent).
Week-by-week Battles and the Journey Ahead
Young recently faced off against Bagent in the Bears’ 16-13 win and matched up against No. 2 pick C.J. Stroud in a previous week. Next week, he is set to square off with second-rounder Will Levis in Tennessee and would have played against Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson in Week 9 had the No. 4 pick not gone on injured reserve following shoulder surgery.
Seeing his fellow rookie quarterbacks getting opportunities to start has been a source of encouragement for Young who expressed his support for his peers, cheering them on as they navigate the ups and downs of their inaugural season in the NFL.
Fueling the Rise of Rookie Quarterbacks
The trend of a high number of early playing-time quarterbacks comes down to a combination of preparation, opportunity, and financial strategies. In a league where there is a premium placed on cost-controlled, rookie contracts, teams are motivated to have their high pick rookie quarterbacks play right from the start.
Ranking the Top-performing Rookies
NFL Power Rankings Week 11: Key Highlights
1. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans – Stroud leads the NFL with 291.8 passing yards per game, has thrown just two interceptions while tossing 15 touchdowns, and ranks sixth in passer rating.
2. Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts – Displayed big arm talent and a knack for making plays with his feet before sustaining an injury to his AC joint.
3. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers – Despite recent regression, Young has shown glimpses of potential and determination amidst challenges on and off the field.
With the rookie quarterback class making substantial, record-breaking strides, the journey ahead for Young and his peers is filled with promise, pressure, and an abundance of opportunities. As they continue to rise to the challenge, the NFL is witnessing a new wave of talent that is sure to shape the future of the game.
Olivia Wilson is a trendsetter in the world of digital culture. With an eagle eye for emerging trends and viral phenomena, she keeps readers up-to-date with the latest online sensations, memes, and pop culture trends. Olivia’s passion for staying ahead of the curve is infectious.
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