Bryce Young height jokes return as QB takes first pro snaps at Panthers' rookie minicamp

Nick Brinkerhoff

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Bryce Young height jokes return as QB takes first pro snaps at Panthers' rookie minicamp image

Panthers fans got their first look at No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young on Friday — if they paid close attention. 

Young is listed at 5-10, so jokes about his lack of prototypical quarterback size aren't new to him. He dealt with the questions and concerns throughout the NFL Draft process.

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Regardless, it was still jarring for many to see him behind an NFL offensive line for the first time — especially without pads on. (Video courtesy of The Associated Press reporter Steve Reed.) 

Despite the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner receiving praise from coaches and teammates on Day 1 of rookie minicamp, fans opted to poke fun at the low-hanging fruit. 

Social media may have been focused on the obvious, but Panthers coach Frank Reich was intent on seeing results.

"He did everything right, the little throws out in the flat, the little bubble screen stuff that people overthrow — he threw with accuracy, saw it well, knew where guys were supposed to be," Reich said. "He just showed complete command."

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And it appears that no one was happier with Young's work than Reich.

"Bryce made a great impression," he said. "Mentally and physically, he looked the part in every way — we have a sense he's willing to do whatever it takes."

While the Panthers' "fun-sized" quarterback will continue to be the subject of many jokes. fans will have to hope that his size doesn't present an issue when the pads go on and the games count. At the very least, Carolina can have fun disguising plays as Young gets lost behind the line.

Nick Brinkerhoff

Nick Brinkerhoff Photo

Nick Brinkerhoff is a content producer at The Sporting News covering the NFL, NBA and other sports. A proud New Jerseyan, Nick is also a graduate of Rutgers University. He is always in the mood for a good joke, the day’s best bets, or a debate about the mediocrity of the New York sports scene.