Carolina Selects Heisman Winner Bryce Young With NFL Draft First Pick

Bryce Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner from Alabama, was taken first tonight in the 2023 NFL Draft, becoming the 24th Heisman winner to go first overall in the draft.

Young is the fourth Heisman winner to go first overall among the last five winners drafted, which includes Joe Burrow to Cincinnati in 2020, Kyler Murray to Arizona in 2019 and Baker Mayfield to Cleveland in 2018.

The most recent Heisman winner drafted was 2020 winner DeVonta Smith, taken 10th overall by Philadelphia in 2021.

Young is the 41st Heisman winner drafted in the top 5 and the 60th taken in the first round.

“It’s surreal. It’s a dream come true,” Young told ESPN after he was drafted. “As amazing of a moment this is, I’m going to try to live in this moment. I can’t wait to get to work and start building off of it.”

Taking a Heisman winner first in the NFL Draft is not new for the Panthers, who drafted 2010 Heisman winner Cam Newton first in 2011. Newton ultimately led the Panthers to a Super Bowl appearance in 2015.

Two-time Heisman finalist C.J. Stroud from Ohio State was taken second overall in the draft by Houston.