In early 2023, after the Carolina Panthers hired Frank Reich and the team was going through its pre-draft process, it was reported that the coach preferred C.J. Stroud's size. 

Ownership, however, found themselves mesmerized with Bryce Young. Now, the two quarterbacks are set to meet in Week 8. Young's rookie season is struggling compared to Stroud's, but out of the bye week — with a new play caller — the Panthers are attempting to right the ship with Young against the Houston Texans. 

Recently, Reich opened up regarding his interest in Stroud. And though the No. 2 overall pick is off to a great start in his NFL career, the Panthers head coach is happy with the quarterback the Panthers drafted No. 1 overall. 

“We got the guy we wanted to get,” Reich said. "I would say this, I’m happy for C.J. He’s had six good games, and I have no doubt he’ll have many more good games. But I know this — when it comes to evaluating quarterbacks or any position — it’s years, not weeks. You can’t put a label on a guy after six weeks or even a year." 

Reich has often been a coach who prefers a bigger quarterback. Young isn't that. But in recent weeks, the Panthers offense is appearing to turn a corner. 

Ahead of the bye week, Young helped lead two scoring drives to jump out to an early 14-0 lead over the Miami Dolphins. Young also played well in the second half of the Panthers matchup with the Detroit Lions. 

Size has been a factor. The eye test shows Young has struggled to see downfield. But when operating in an up-tempo offense, when things are simplified, the rookie quarterback has played as well as anyone can realistically expect. 

As for Reich's belief in quarterback size, he likes that aspect of Stroud, but it doesn't define everything about quarterback. 

"I like C.J. Stroud a lot," Reich said. I’ve said this many times, I like that whole quarterback draft. I think they were all really good prospects. I think they’re all going to have really good NFL careers.

"My eyes and our eyes were on Bryce Young, from start to finish. You look at the film, you talk to the man, you get a sense for the leader, the player, what he is, what he can be, and how he fits into what we want to do in the vision we have as an offense, as a team, and as an organization. We got the guy for us."

So, if Reich could rewind, he wouldn't have it any other way. The Panthers got the quarterback the franchise wanted, and he's sure the Texans probably feel the same way. 

Come Sunday, however, both teams will get a look at the guy they could have had if things were different. 

"I’m sure Houston feels they got the guy for them," Reich said. "I think it’s great for the NFL, it’s great for our two guys. I think we’re both very happy with where we’re at and the direction we’re going."

Frank Reich validates belief in Bryce Young ahead of Week 8 matchup against Texans

Out of the bye week, the Carolina Panthers will have an up-front look at the quarterback they drafted and the quarterback they could have had.