Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, has canceled his remaining pre-draft visits, according to sources. This adds fuel to the speculation that he may be the top pick for the Carolina Panthers in the upcoming NFL draft. Young had also visited the Houston Texans, who hold the No. 2 overall pick. As a result, the 2023 NFL Draft odds have shifted dramatically.
2023 NFL Draft Odds: Young Stands On Top
On March 6, Young was -190 to go first overall (per BetMGM Sportsbook). Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud was right on his heels with +275 odds to be the top pick.
Then the news dropped. Young canceled his remaining pre-draft visits, and shockwaves rippled throughout the NFL community. Sportsbooks immediately removed NFL draft props regarding Young and the first overall pick. When those odds were re-released, Young became a massive -1400 favorite to go first overall — according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
Alabama QB Bryce Young has canceled his remaining pre-draft visits, per sources — another sign to back up belief within the league that the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner will be the #Panthers’ pick at No. 1 overall.
Young also visited the #Texans, who draft No. 2. pic.twitter.com/3Pg53t15ce
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 17, 2023
Young’s decision to cancel his visits with other teams may indicate strong interest from the Panthers, who have been diligently evaluating their options for the top pick. The quarterback’s decision to forego further visits could be seen as a sign of his confidence in landing with the Panthers while revealing the team’s intentions.
As the Panthers continue to rebuild, selecting a talented quarterback like Young could be a franchise-changing move. His exceptional skills, leadership qualities, and proven success at the college level make him an attractive choice for any team in need of a quarterback.
However, the Texans, who hold the No. 2 overall pick, had also shown interest in Young. His decision to cancel visits with other teams does not necessarily guarantee that he will be the Panthers’ pick. The NFL draft is known for its unpredictability, and teams often keep their draft plans closely guarded until the actual selection is made.
Still, the -1400 odds for Young to go first overall suggest it’s all but a done deal. Although, sportsbooks (and the media) have gotten things wrong before. Who could forget the 2022 NBA Draft, when Paolo Banchero was revealed as a “surprise” to be the first overall pick?
The 2023 NFL Draft drama continues to unfold, and football fans eagerly await the outcome to see which team will land the coveted prospect and potential franchise quarterback.
