Revisiting what draft experts said about Panthers QB Bryce Young in 2023

Carolina Panthers second-year quarterback Bryce Young further illustrates there is no such thing as a can't-miss prospect.

On Monday, Panthers head coach Dave Canales said he's benching the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, replacing him with journeyman Andy Dalton.

With Young as the starter, the Panthers are 0-2 this season. In two starts, the former Alabama star has only 245 yards passing, no TD passes and three interceptions.

Before the draft, ESPN tabbed Young and Houston Texans edge-rusher Will Anderson Jr. as co-No. 1 prospects in its consensus top-10 rankings.

"[Young] doesn't make any mistakes," wrote ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr . " He's one of the best 'processors' I've scouted over the past decade, meaning he goes through read progressions to find his target or knows exactly the right time to escape the pocket."

NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah raised doubts about Young's size (5-foot-10, 204 pounds) but still listed the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner as his top prospect.

"His lack of height isn't a major issue, but his narrow frame raises concerns about his durability at the next level," Jeremiah wrote. "If Young can maintain his health, he should quickly emerge as a quality starting quarterback in the NFL."

Young, however, has looked like a massive bust. In 18 regular-season starts, he is 2-16 and has thrown more interceptions (13) than touchdowns (11).

Young's inability to develop better pocket presence has prevented him from becoming a successful starter.

"In order to throw the ball to any intermediate or downfield route, a quarterback must be comfortable stepping up in tighter pockets and delivering throws over offensive lineman," wrote ESPN's Benjamin Solak after the Panthers lost 47-10 to the Saints in Week 1. "Young cannot and will not do this."

It remains unclear what's next for Young. Solak suggested the Miami Dolphins should trade for him. Miami starting QB Tua Tagovailoa's future is unknown because of concussion issues.

Regardless, Young's tenure shows why franchises shouldn't sell the farm for rookie QBs. In 2023, Carolina dealt two first-rounders, two second-rounders and WR D.J. Moore to the Chicago Bears to acquire the No. 1 pick.

On Monday, ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, a former scout, criticized Carolina's approach with Young.

"The Carolina Panthers have mishandled the entire QB situation from beginning to end," he wrote on his X account on Monday . "From the evaluation/valuation, to selection, to development, support and utilization. A total fail over the past 24 months, when this 'current' process began."

But Young hasn't done anything to back up the projections of "experts" before the draft.