The Carolina Panthers selected quarterback Bryce Young first overall in this year’s NFL Draft. But did the franchise actually want C.J. Stroud?

The 2023 NFL season has been anything but smooth sailing for the Carolina Panthers so far. After twelve weeks, the franchise has a record of one win and ten defeats.

Rookie quarterback Bryce Young is not quite making the impact (at least so far) that many might have hoped for. And head coach Frank Reich had to resign just a few days ago.

Now team owner David Tepper caused confusion among fans at a press conference following Reich’s dismissal. Did the franchise not want to select Bryce Young, but rather C.J. Stroud, who ultimately went to the Houston Texans at number two?

“It was reported and we talked about it. Originally we were going to pick at number two and we thought we were going to get C.J. Stroud. Because we thought the Houston Texans were going to take Bryce. We favored Bryce, he was our first choice. We were very confident,” explained the owner.

The franchise traded several high-profile draft picks to the Chicago Bears for the option to select at number one, including the actual first-round pick in 2023 (number nine), a second-round pick and a first- and second-round pick in 2024 and 2025 respectively. And wide receiver DJ Moore was thrown in for good measure!

So far this season, only C.J. Stroud has been fully convincing and is considered the favorite for the title of Rookie of the Year. With a record of six wins and five defeats, the Texans still have a good chance of making the playoffs.

Panthers owner David Tepper confirms they were supposed to trade to No. 2 and take CJ Stroud because they believed Houston would’ve taken Bryce Young at No. 1.

Tepper says everyone in the building wanted Young.

“We are totally confident in that pick. “pic.twitter.com/csmpxlkbig

– Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 28, 2023

Stroud has thrown for 3,266 yards, 19 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He also ran for three touchdowns himself.

Young, meanwhile, has just 1,877 yards, nine touchdowns and eight interceptions for the Panthers. One rushing touchdown is still missing