<
        >
          EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
          Get ESPN+

          Caleb Williams has the tools and the talent around him to star right away

          • Eric Karabell, ESPN Senior WriterJul 3, 2024, 08:00 AM ET
            Close
            • Fantasy baseball, football and basketball analyst for ESPN
            • Charter member of FSWA Hall of Fame
            • Author of "The Best Philadelphia Sports Arguments"
            Follow on X

          The Carolina Panthers made QB Bryce Young the first pick in the 2023 NFL draft, but the organization hardly placed the Alabama star in the best position to initially thrive, at least statistically. The Panthers, coming off a 7-10 season in 2022, thought it was a good idea to rely on former Philadelphia Eagles RB Miles Sanders, and the receiving corps lacked depth outside of 33-year-old former Minnesota Vikings WR Adam Thielen. The Panthers averaged a paltry 13.9 points per game and won only twice, as their touted quarterback struggled.