NFL Analyst Ranks Panthers QB Bryce Young Below Malik Willis, Cam Ward

Young ranked 24th in offseason QB stock market, raising eyebrows despite analyst's praise

Mar. 23, 2026 at 11:33am

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In a recent NFL offseason quarterback rankings, Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young was surprisingly ranked 24th, behind players like Malik Willis and Cam Ward who have had less impressive careers so far. The analyst acknowledged Young is on an upward trend, but challenged him to take the next step to become a true franchise QB for the Panthers.

Why it matters

Young was the Panthers' first-round draft pick in 2023 and is expected to be their long-term starting quarterback. His development is crucial for the team's future success, so any perceived doubts about his potential are noteworthy, even if the rankings may prove premature.

The details

The rankings, compiled by NFL analyst Henry McKenna, placed Young at 24th overall, down from 22nd at the end of the 2025 season. McKenna praised Young's upward trajectory but said he needs to "close the gap between an upward-trending QB (what he is now) to a franchise QB (what he needs to be to earn an extension and have a future in Carolina)." Young was ranked behind players like Malik Willis, a former bust who had a few decent outings, and Cam Ward, a rookie who struggled overall in 2025.

  • Young was the Panthers' first-round draft pick in 2023.

The players

Bryce Young

The starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, drafted in the first round in 2023.

Malik Willis

A quarterback who has had a tumultuous career so far, with some brief flashes of potential but mostly serving as a backup.

Cam Ward

A rookie quarterback who had a disappointing 2025 season with the Panthers.

Henry McKenna

An NFL analyst who compiled the controversial quarterback rankings that placed Bryce Young at 24th overall.

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What they’re saying

“Can Young close the gap between an upward-trending QB (what he is now) to a franchise QB (what he needs to be to earn an extension and have a future in Carolina)?”

— Henry McKenna, NFL Analyst

What’s next

The Panthers will be closely monitoring Bryce Young's progress in the 2026 season as he looks to solidify his status as the team's long-term starting quarterback.

The takeaway

While the controversial quarterback rankings may seem premature, they highlight the high expectations placed on Bryce Young as the Panthers' first-round pick. Young will need to continue his upward trajectory and prove he can be a true franchise QB in order to earn a long-term extension and cement his future in Carolina.