NFL exec worried Panthers QB Bryce Young will get ‘killed,’ ‘smashed’

Maybe the Carolina Panthers should just put Bryce Young in a kevlar suit or something.

Yet another voice outside of the organization has expressed some doubt about the 5-foot-10, 204-pound passer. Here, courtesy of Heavy senior NFL reporter Matt Lombardo, is a comment from an anonymous AFC personnel executive regarding head coach Frank Reich’s first-year outlook at the helm in Carolina and what could affect it:

“The NFC South is wide open, so Frank will probably do pretty well. Frank is the definition of a pro’s pro. His key will be Bryce Young and his ability to stay on the field. I worry that Bryce is going to get killed — like, smashed.”

Now, yes, Young’s size is obviously a concern. It’s a talking point that’s been run ad nauseam, even though he’s still months away from taking his first NFL snap.

But, the Panthers didn’t use all of those valuable resources without a plan for their smaller No. 1 overall pick.

Young’s greatest strength has always been his poise and his intellect, which will serve as the motor under center and the counter to the contact. Between his prolific processing skills and Reich’s prowess as a play caller, the ball will be moving around rather quickly most of the time.

Plus, the frame hasn’t been much of a concern for Young, for Reich or for offensive coordinator Thomas Brown. So why worry about nameless voice right now?