Panthers keep close eye on NFL combine quarterbacks. Takeaways from the QB interviews

The Carolina Panthers’ future franchise quarterback might have been stationed at Podium 1 within the Indiana Convention Center at some point on Friday morning.

With most of their team interviews in the books, Alabama’s Bryce Young, Ohio State’s CJ Stroud and Florida’s Anthony Richardson took turns — one after the other — sharing the main microphone within the press conference area at the annual NFL Scouting Combine. Kentucky’s Will Levis — who was the last of the consensus top four quarterbacks to speak — held court at Podium 3.

During the turnstile of quarterback press conferences, each prospect attempted to sell themselves through a series of answers that offered insight on their personalities and football acumen. With draft slotting — and a lot of money — on the line, Stroud, Richardson, Young and Levis each spent roughly 15 minutes answering questions on a variety of topics.

Here are some notable takeaways from each quarterback prospect’s time in the spotlight:

Alabama QB Bryce Young

▪ A major talking point with Young has been his size. Listed as 6-feet, 194 pounds, critics have questioned his long-term durability. However, Young said he’s “been this size my whole life,” seemingly acknowledging that he’s always been a smaller player. Young was able to thrive in the SEC against NFL-caliber talent on a near-weekly basis, and he showed confidence in himself by saying, “I know who I am, I know what I can do.” Young said he is currently around 200 pounds.

▪ Young said Alabama’s Iron Bowl game against the Auburn Tigers in 2021 was a performance he was very proud of. The matchup went into a fourth overtime, with the Crimson Tide escaping with a 24-22 win. Young completed 25 of 51 passes for 317 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception in the victory.

▪ Young said facing Nick Saban’s defense regularly in practice was helpful for him. He said it was an important building block for his growth as a quarterback.

▪ Young reached out to New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones this week for guidance on the combine. Young said he was “super grateful” for the advice that Jones gave him.

Ohio State QB CJ Stroud

▪ Stroud said during his meetings with teams — which included the Panthers, Atlanta Falcons and Las Vegas Raiders — he tried to establish that he can control any room. Stroud called himself a student of the game but acknowledged he still has a lot to learn. Stroud brought up Ohio State’s “high-powered” offense, but also said that he is willing to go back to “square one” to learn everything in his NFL offense to be great.

▪ Stroud described his game as “free flowing but still disciplined.” Stroud prefers to take the completion when it’s there, but he also likes to extend plays. At Ohio State, Stroud only occasionally left the pocket for a big run. He said that looking back on his college career, he wished he would have taken advantage of his athleticism more often. Stroud said he doesn’t push the envelope, which he feels is important at the position. He also called himself a “ball-placement specialist.”

▪ Stroud said that he feels like he’s “been the best college player two years in a row,” but he doesn’t feel like he’s touched his potential yet. He said he has a lot more to get better at and prove to others and himself.

▪ Stroud said he grew up wearing No. 7 because he was a massive fan of Michael Vick. Stroud said Vick inspired him to use his athleticism. Stroud also mentioned that Vick being a fellow Black quarterback who excelled in the pocket was also an important example for him. Stroud also said he has a similar playing style to Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. He also said he has a similar style to Cincinnati Bengals pocket passer Joe Burrow. He has sought out advice from former All-Pro wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

Florida QB Anthony Richardson

▪ Richardson said that his meeting with the Panthers on Tuesday went well. Richardson said the Panthers asked him to draw up plays on their whiteboard during the meeting. The Carolina brass also tested Richardson’s recall skills by asking him to write up a play that they talked about early in the meeting.

▪ In the lead up to the combine, a popular remark has been that Richardson is a project player at quarterback. Richardson played in just 22 games during his college career and has a lack of experience that most pundits believe will lead to him red-shirting most or all of his rookie season. However, when Richardson was asked about the label, he said he wasn’t sure what that implication actually meant.

▪ Richardson’s two biggest influences are former Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Richardson used to call himself “Cam Jackson” in high school as he tried to replicate both players’ attributes on the field. Richardson said he wants to eventually be compared to Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes as an all-time great.

▪ Growing up, Richardson looked after his little brother while his mom worked multiple jobs. Richardson said he used ride around Gainesville, Florida on a bike with his little brother on the handle bars. “That’s my brother, but I love him like he’s my son.”

Kentucky QB Will Levis

▪ Levis met with the Panthers on Wednesday. The prospect said the meeting involved quarterbacks coach Josh McCown explaining the offense and then having Levis relay what he learned back to the staff. “I think it’s a great way for them to figure out my knowledge, and also, learn from them whatever I can as well,” Levis said.

▪ Levis skipped the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. last month because of a toe injury. However, he planned to take part in workouts and throw on Saturday. Levis, who spoke with confidence, said the choice to throw in Indianapolis came down to “because I’ve got a cannon, and I’m going to show it off.”

▪ Levis explained his approach to leadership during the press conference. He said gaining leadership is a feeling out process. Once the leadership is gained by the trust of the locker room and the staff, Levis said the leader can then take on a more vocal role. Levis said it’s important to understand when its important to have one-on-one conversations with teammates as a leader. Levis thinks becoming a leader is a gradual process.

▪ During the press conference, Levis offered a sales pitch for himself as a prospect. He said he felt he had a stronger arm than any quarterback prospect in recent memory. He also said that it’s been beneficial to share who is as a person with the teams in Indianapolis.

This story was originally published March 3, 2023 at 12:09 PM with the headline "Panthers keep close eye on NFL combine quarterbacks. Takeaways from the QB interviews."

Mike Kaye

The Charlotte Observer

Mike Kaye writes about the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer. He also co-hosts “Processing Blue: A Panthers Podcast” for The Observer. Kaye’s work in columns/analysis and sports feature writing has been honored by the North Carolina Press Association (NCPA). His reporting has also received recognition from the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE).Kaye previously covered the entire NFL for Pro Football Network, the Philadelphia Eagles for NJ Advance Media and the Jacksonville Jaguars for First Coast News. Support my work with a digital subscription