Bryce Young’s NFL journey has been anything but smooth — but that might be about to change.
After two rollercoaster seasons, ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky is betting on Young to make the biggest leap of any quarterback in the league in 2025. It’s a bold prediction, especially considering the Carolina Panthers’ offensive inconsistencies and the immense pressure on Young to justify his No. 1 overall pick status.
But Orlovsky sees something many may have overlooked: Young’s resilience.
“There’s something about how he’s responded to the adversity early in his career that stands out,” Orlovsky said. “You can’t teach poise. He has it — and now he finally has the pieces around him to make a jump.”
From Disaster to Determination: Bryce’s Bumpy Start
Let’s be honest — Young’s rookie season was forgettable, marked by poor protection, misfires, and a revolving door of questionable receiver play. The Panthers’ offense sputtered under failed schemes and inconsistent execution. But Year 2 showed promise. He began to develop rhythm late in the season, particularly with veteran receiver Adam Thielen, who became Young’s most trusted target and a steadying force on the field.
Now heading into Year 3, Young’s development is less about survival and more about unlocking his potential. And Orlovsky believes the stars are aligning — especially at the wide receiver position.
A New-Look WR Room With Real Upside
Carolina invested heavily in giving Young bigger, more physical targets — and it shows. Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette bring a size and presence on the outside that the Panthers have lacked for years. Orlovsky praised the move, suggesting that the duo’s combination of length and athleticism gives Young new dimensions to work with.
Still, size isn’t everything. Panthers fans are haunted by memories of big-bodied busts like Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess, whose physical gifts never translated into on-field production. That history has many cautiously optimistic about McMillan and Legette, but the raw tools are undeniably there.
And let’s not forget — Adam Thielen is still WR1 until someone else proves otherwise. His late-season connection with Young in 2024 was arguably the team’s most effective offensive weapon. If that chemistry continues and the younger receivers step up, the Panthers could field one of the more underrated receiving corps in the league.
Everything’s in Place — But It’s on Bryce Now
The Panthers have a solid offensive line, depth at running back, and more size and talent at wideout than they’ve had in years. But the real question is whether Bryce Young can put it all together.
Consistency, timing, and rhythm with his new targets — especially in the intermediate and deep parts of the field — will be the difference between a breakout year and more disappointment.
And don’t sleep on the tight ends, either. Carolina got almost nothing from that position group last season, but even modest production in 2025 could stretch defenses and open up more options for Young.
Final Take: Boom or Bust?
Dan Orlovsky isn’t just hoping for a comeback — he’s predicting a league-wide leap. His take is clear: Bryce Young is poised to make the biggest jump of any quarterback in the NFL this year.
It’s a high-stakes forecast — and one that will put even more pressure on a young QB trying to silence critics, lead a franchise, and rewrite his story.
If Young delivers, Orlovsky will look like a genius.
If not? The Panthers may find themselves asking tough questions about their franchise future heading into 2026.
