NFL Draft 2023 Rumors: NFL Execs Split on Bryce Young, CJ Stroud as Panthers' Choice

NFL executives are split on whether the Carolina Panthers will select Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud or Alabama's Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

"I asked at least 20 NFL personnel people on this, and the votes are essentially split between Alabama's Bryce Young and Ohio State's C.J. Stroud. There might be a slight edge to Young, but it's still too close to decipher who the true favorite is right now. The Carolina Panthers have done a stealth job holding the suspense, and only a few people in their building truly know the name that's going on the draft card."

The Panthers traded up from No. 9 with the Chicago Bears to get the top choice. Carolina has already confirmed that it's looking for a quarterback with the selection.

Young, the 2021 Heisman winner, completed 65.8 percent of his passes for 80 touchdowns (12 interceptions) and 8,356 yards during his time with the Crimson Tide. Stroud completed 69.3 percent of his passes for 8,123 yards, 85 touchdowns and 12 picks.

There's been chatter connecting both Stroud and Young to Carolina.

Per Joseph Person of The Athletic, league insiders believed the Panthers moved up for Stroud. Most people that ESPN's Dan Graziano spoke with at the league meetings also thought Stroud was the choice.

But there's been chatter backing Young, too. Of note, Peter King of NBC Sports wrote that "several influential voices" in the Panthers' organization favor Young. ESPN's Chris Mortensen also stated that Young will be the pick.

Regardless of which direction the Panthers go, it's clear the runner-up in this situation won't be waiting long to hear his name. The Houston Texans at No. 2 need a long-term solution at quarterback, and the same goes for the Indianapolis Colts at No. 4.

The first round of the NFL draft will take place on April 27 in Kansas City.