Earning respect: Panthers QB Bryce Young ranks No. 98 on NFL's Top 100 Players list

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young continues to fight for his spot among the NFL's elite.

Has the 2023 No. 1 draft pick arrived?

That can still be debated, but after establishing career highs during Year 3, while leading the Panthers to the NFL South title, Young on Tuesday earned a No. 98 ranking on the NFL Top 100 Players list. 

Overcoming a slow career start, lowlighted by a Week 2 benching in 2024, Young continues to develop into a franchise signal caller, speaking up and displaying offseason leadership.

During the rainy offseason training activities (OTAs) opening practice last May, Young called out the receivers for sloppy route-running and catching habits.  

“It’s not raining anymore," Young said, his arms extended. “Clean this (expletive) up. It’s not (expletive) raining. We need better execution.”

When asked about the on-field moment, coach Dave Canales grinned.

“I love it,” Canales said. “I heard him get a little passionate. I love it that he’s taking ownership of that, and the guys see that and rally around that.”

Panthers' Bryce Young growing into franchise QB

With Canales' run-first offense opening up during the second half last season, Young ranked first with a 99.7 passing grade on throws of 20 or more yards, according to PFF. He also topped his qualified peers with a 38.9 percent big-time throw rate. 

Despite finishing 8-9, Young directed the Panthers into the playoffs for the first time since 2017 by posting six game-winning drives. 

At 24 years, 128 days, Young became the NFL's youngest quarterback to post 12 game-winning drives. He beat out Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen, who was 24 years, 164 days old when he achieved the standard, and Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, who did it at 24 years, 212 days.

Young was heard trash-talking corner back Jaycee Horn and edge Jaelan Phillips during the OTAs.

"Honestly, he gets really animated," Canales said following the second mandatory minicamp practice on June 10. "He just has a defiance to him and that's just kinda his way of competing.

"He's not super animated with it, but he definitely thrives off of that, feeds off that energy. He takes his chances when he can because Jaycee (Horn) is trying to bait him into throwing the ball over there."

Young established career highs for passing yards (3,011) and passer rating (87.8) last season. 

When drafted, most NFL insiders questioned the longevity of a 5-foot-10 QB. Young has proved his toughness, absorbing 62 sacks as a rookie. Last season, he went 4-1 when he was hit six or more times and compiled a 100.2 passer rating.

"There's a lot of new ideas, new energy, and new people," Young said.

Can his professional rise continue in 2026?

Could he be a top 50 player in '27?

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