Bryce Young takes a big jump in the NFL quarterback power rankings in Week 15

When we looked last week to see where people ranked Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young compared to other starters in the NFL, we were disappointed with what we found. According to one list, Young ranked just 28th in the league. Needless to say, that’s way too low for Young after his recent development surge.

Young continues to throw the ball at a high level, even if his traditional numbers don’t suggest it. It’s only a matter of time before people realize that Young can actually succeed in the NFL, and it appears the narrative is finally starting to change. In a new series of quarterback power rankings from Cody Benjamin at CBS Sports, Bryce Young is ranked 20th, up five spots from last week.

“Welcome the No. 1 pick of the 2023 draft. For weeks, Young has been building confidence to the point where he is actively building a mediocre lineup. The Panthers have juice because of his attitude.”

You only have to look at how Young is struggling these days to see how much his confidence has grown compared to earlier this season and as a rookie. According to Rob Gronkowski, Young may have “little legs,” but they are fast and now Young is showing the fearlessness needed to use them when he sees an opportunity to run.

As for his arm, Young has been one of the game’s most aggressive and accurate downfield throwers since returning to the lineup. Even though he’s still missing at a slightly high rate, it’s no longer a one-sided dynamic. Young’s ugly interception before halftime against the Eagles stood out precisely because he hadn’t made such a glaring mistake in a long time – at least since his last game before being substituted earlier this year.

Overall, Young makes far better decisions, throws with forethought and shows a consistent ability to create when the play breaks down. Its offensive line is strong and head coach Dave Canales has real talent as a play-caller. So the final piece of the puzzle is finding a few more pass catchers. Young needs two more good wide receivers and another capable tight end wouldn’t hurt either.

If the Panthers can get Young these upgrades and he continues to grow in the offseason, he could be a truly above-average starting quarterback come the start of the 2025 NFL season.

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