The Carolina Panthers announced their decision to bench sophomore No. 1 overall quarterback Bryce Young on Monday. Young had struggled mightily through two weeks and the Panthers are sporting an 0-2 record while being outscored 73-13. Young has thrown three interceptions and zero touchdowns. Head coach Dave Canales believes veteran quarterback Andy Dalton will be more effective.
The Panthers made one of the most aggressive trades in NFL history to acquire Young, and his tenure has essentially concluded after 18 starts. It’s unfortunately rubbing elbows with the worst NFL trades ever.
The Panthers will almost certainly be drafting their next quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. We've identified three potential candidates.
Quinn Ewers
Quinn Ewers returned to Texas for his redshirt junior campaign and that appears to have been the correct decision. The Longhorns standout has been a more mature and productive quarterback this season.
In Week 2, Ewers played a resume-defining game at Michigan, leading his now top-ranked program to a blowout 31-12 victory at The Big House. The Southlake native threw for 246 yards and three touchdowns in that triumph.
Ewers throws the football with terrific anticipation, leading his receivers open and to post-catch opportunities. He possesses the arm talent required to target all three levels. Ewers is accurate and mobile, and has every club in his bag to mix trajectories as required.
Ewers suffered an injury in Saturday's win over UTSA. Arch Manning dazzled upon entering the game, but all indications are that Ewers' setback isn't overly serious. Manning will likely start this week against Louisiana-Monroe, but Texas' starter should return for the Week 5 game with Mississippi State.
Shedeur Sanders
Shedeur Sanders is going to be the most polarizing quarterback prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. The off-field antics and occasional distraction may be a non-starter for some franchises, but Carolina isn't in a position to remove talented signal-callers off their board. Sanders' fundamental talent is overwhelmingly evident.
Arguably the best passer in the nation, Sanders' pinpoint ball placement is extremely impressive. He processes well post-snap and identifies advantageous matchups. He's a confident quarterback who makes good decisions and isn't afraid to give his receivers a chance.
After a rough outing versus Nebraska, Sanders bounced back in a major spot against Colorado State. He completed 36-of-49 passing attempts for 310 yards and four touchdowns. The talent demands a top-10 overall selection.
Carson Beck
Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck has flashed early-season growth through three weeks of the new college football season. Beck dominated an outmatched Tennessee Tech opponent in Week 2, throwing for 242 yards and five touchdowns. He was less impressive versus Kentucky in Week 3 but managed the game and avoided turnovers while guiding Georgia to a narrow 13-12 win.
The Panthers are starting to build a respectable supporting cast around their future quarterback. Xavier Legette was their latest top pick at receiver, and investments have been made across the offensive line as well.
Beck is a pro-ready quarterback who relies on accuracy and ball placement. He's also athletic enough to make efficient throws on the move. After enjoying success with Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay, Canales would appreciate an opportunity to hand-pick a QB like Beck.
