It’s true that Bryce Young’s story in the NFL is still unfolding. Being benched early in his second season can be tough, especially after being drafted so highly. However, the league has seen several players, like Baker Mayfield, find success after challenging starts.
Bryce Young’s career could very well see a turnaround, whether it’s with the Panthers or another team. The key will be how he handles this setback and what opportunities come his way in the future.
It’s certainly been a rough start for Bryce Young, and the situation raises valid concerns. Evaluating whether he’s the worst first overall draft pick in NFL history is complex. Many factors contribute to a player’s success or failure, including team support, coaching, and surrounding talent.
Historically, some first overall picks have struggled, such as JaMarcus Russell or Tim Couch.
However, it’s still early in Young’s career to definitively label him as the worst. His development might improve with more experience and better support systems.
It’s worth monitoring how he responds to this adversity and whether he can turn things around in the coming seasons.
Focusing on the common NFL Draft era starting in 1967 provides a more relevant comparison. Here are a few notable No. 1 overall picks from that period who faced significant challenges or underwhelming careers:
- JaMarcus Russell (2007, Oakland Raiders): Russell’s career is often cited as one of the biggest draft busts. He struggled with work ethic and performance issues, leading to a short-lived NFL career.
- Tim Couch (1999, Cleveland Browns): Couch had a promising start but was hampered by a struggling team and injury issues. His career did not meet the high expectations set by his draft status.
- David Carr (2002, Houston Texans): Carr had a tough start with a weak offensive line and poor team performance. While he did have some success later in his career as a backup, his time as a starter was underwhelming.
- Alex Smith (2005, San Francisco 49ers): Smith faced criticism early in his career due to inconsistent performance and frequent coaching changes. However, he eventually rebounded to have a respectable career, including a Pro Bowl selection and a comeback from a severe leg injury.
Comparing Young to these players:
- JaMarcus Russell and Tim Couch had significant struggles early in their careers and failed to live up to expectations, much like Young is facing now.
- David Carr and Alex Smith had challenging starts but eventually found some success. Smith’s turnaround highlights that early struggles don’t always define a player’s entire career.
It’s important to remember that many No. 1 overall picks face challenges, and a player’s career trajectory can change over time. Young still has the opportunity to improve and prove himself in the league.
