Panthers’ Reich says he feels relaxed ahead of monumental QB decision with top draft pick

Frank Reich is at peace with the Panthers’ final decision on Thursday’s first overall pick.

Following the team’s second voluntary minicamp practice in as many days — with rainy weather and a soggy field — Reich spoke to the media on Wednesday about his mentality ahead of the monumental top selection in the NFL Draft.

“This is truly like before a game night, where the work is done,” Reich said. “So, tonight’s going to be relaxed. . . . The process has been good — we’re ready to go.”

Reich — who spoke with Carolina owner David Tepper and general manager Scott Fitterer before practice — said the team has not contacted their choice for the top selection.

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, who is considered to be the favorite for the selection, acknowledged in Kansas City on Wednesday that he has not been told that he is the first overall pick.

Reich, who previously praised Fitterer for the GM’s handling of the scouting process, gave kudos to Tepper following practice.

The Panthers owner stood on the practice field in the rain for the majority of the workout, including during the final phase involving team drills.

The head coach said Tepper’s presence has been felt by the staff since the group arrived earlier this offseason.

“Words can’t even begin to express what we as a coaching staff — and I think, as a team — have felt from him, just in the couple of months being here,” Reich said about Tepper. “Great support, great insight. Feels like part of the staff, almost, like but without — it’s not overboard — but it’s just been very dynamic.”

Quick hits

▪ Reich was asked about his outlook on the wide receiver position in his system. The head coach said that while X, Y and Z positions are listed in the playbook, the roles for those positions are often based on packages and what those players do well.

▪ Left guard Brady Christensen, who broke his ankle in the team’s 2022 finale in January, took part in modified individual work on Wednesday. Reich said Christensen is somewhat ahead of schedule in his recovery from the injury.

▪ Free-agent addition, DeShawn Williams played for defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero in Denver last season. Williams, a well-traveled defensive lineman, said that Evero told him during the Broncos’ season finale in January that he would take him with him to his next coaching stop. Williams, a native of Central, South Carolina, said he appreciated that Evero was “a man of his word” for bringing him back to the Carolinas.

▪ Fellow free-agent addition, nose tackle Shy Tuttle, started his first Panthers press conference with a trivia question about former Carolina running back DeShaun Foster — asking specifically about the playmaker’s first jersey number (note: it was No. 20, by the way). The Winston-Salem native also admitted to being a Panthers fan growing up. He jokingly said that he couldn’t admit that while playing for the New Orleans Saints during his first four NFL seasons.

Tuttle named defensive end Julius Peppers as his favorite player as a fan. He also named cornerback Chris Gamble, linebacker Luke Kuechly and linebacker Thomas Davis as his other favorites growing up.

▪ Speaking of Kuechly, the former Pro Bowl linebacker attended Wednesday’s practice. Reich noted that he appreciated Kuechly showing up to the workout. Reich had only met him a couple of times, but the two spoke while on the wet field outside of Bank of America Stadium.

Reich said he broached the subject of Kuechly joining the staff a few months ago. Reich said he didn’t think the former linebacker was ready for that conversation yet.

“I just tried to plant that seed a little bit,” Reich said with a big smile. “I don’t know if he’ll ever do it, but certainly we would welcome it if he would.”