It's a new era for Carolina Panthers football, and one that might just coincide with online North Carolina sports betting.
To little surprise, the Panthers selected Alabama QB Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall pick in Thursday's NFL Draft, anointing the 5-foot-10, 204 pound Heisman Trophy winner as the new face of franchise. Young throughout the draft process faced many questions about his relatively small stature, but won over the Panthers brass with his intellect. Plus, Young's college tape made it clear he has the talent to become the Panthers' first true franchise quarterback since Cam Newton, another former No. 1 overall pick and Heisman winner.
Young's selection would have been expected on North Carolina sports betting apps, though there was late movement for Kentucky QB Will Levis at many sportsbooks. However, Levis enters the second day of the draft still waiting for his selection, as Ohio State's C.J. Stroud and Florida's Anthony Richardson went No. 2 (Texans) and No. 4 (Colts), with Levis and Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker still available on Day 2.
Can Young Take Panthers To Playoffs In Rookie Season?
Can Young improve the Panthers playoff chances as a rookie signal-caller? While the Panthers signed veteran Andy Dalton earlier in the offseason, Dalton is clearly a placeholder. Should Young flash in training camp, it's easy to envision him under center in Week 1.
Over at BetMGM Sportsbook, the Panthers have the second best odds to win the NFC South at +300, behind only the Derek Carr-led Saints (+120). The Falcons, who selected Texas RB Bijan Robinson in the first round last night, are at +325, while the Tom Brady-less Bucs bring up the rear at +500. Expect a BetMGM North Carolina bonus code when the time comes to bet on Young and the Panthersnext season.
At Caesars Sportsbook NC, the Panthers are +300 to win the NFC South, with their O/U wins set at 7.5.
Can Young Win Rookie of The Year?
While you may think Young would be well-positioned to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, history isn't as kind to QBs who went No. 1 as you may think. Only three of the 16 QBs drafted first since 2000 have won the award - Kyler Murray in 2019, Cam Newton in 2011 (with the Panthers of course) and Sam Bradford in 2010, meaning less than 20% of them have managed to accomplish the feat.
A few notable No. 1's who didn't win OROY? Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, Andrew Luck, Matt Stafford and Michael Vick.
But oddsmakers certainly aren't ruling Young out. DraftKings Sportsbook currently has Young as the second favorite to win OROY at +475, behind only the Falcons' Robinson at +300. The Seahawks' Jaxon Smith-Njigba (+650), the Texans' Stroud (+700) and Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs (+850) round out the board. Bookmark BetCarolina for a DraftKings North Carolina promo code should the state pass mobile legislation.
So can Young lead the Panthers out of QB purgatory and into the playoffs for years to come? The 21-year-old certainly has some things going for him. The Panthers seemed to find themselves late last season under then-interim coach Steve Wilks, with quarterback play clearly holding them back as they bounced back and forth between Sam Darnold and P.J. Walker.
Should Young provide an expected upgrade, or potentially even flourish under offensive minds Frank Reich and Jim Caldwell, the Panthers should be a much improved team from what fans became accustomed to in the Matt Rhule era.
And it appears national sportsbooks tend to agree. Stick with BetCarolina in the leadup to Young's rookie season, and stay tuned for North Carolina sports betting promos as well.
