ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky has seen enough. After a rocky rookie campaign, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is his pick to be the NFL’s breakout quarterback in 2025 — and he’s backing the former No. 1 overall pick to silence all the doubters.
Speaking on ESPN’s morning segment, Orlovsky praised Young’s growth, resilience, and the structural improvements around him. “He’s about to take over,” Orlovsky said. “We saw flashes last year despite chaos around him. Now, with real weapons, improved protection, and a coaching staff that believes in him — this kid is about to show why he went first overall.”
Young, who struggled during his 2024 rookie season with a depleted offensive line and minimal playmaker support, is entering Year 2 with a new coaching staff, a bolstered receiver corps including Diontae Johnson and rookie Xavier Legette, and a more stable offensive scheme. According to reports out of minicamp, Young has shown increased command of the offense, quicker decision-making, and improved chemistry with teammates.
The Panthers have made it a priority to put their young quarterback in a better position to succeed, and Orlovsky believes that investment is about to pay off. “It’s the little things — footwork, pre-snap reads, the timing. Bryce is seeing the field differently now, and it’s showing.”
Carolina fans, long starved for elite quarterback play, may finally have their answer. And if Orlovsky’s prediction comes true, the Panthers could find themselves in playoff contention much sooner than expected.
Bryce Young’s breakout may not just be a personal win — it could be the spark that turns the Panthers around for good.
