5 non-quarterback prospects the Panthers should monitor in 2023

Carolina Panthers should monitor Will Anderson Jr.

The Carolina Panthers would need to be picking pretty high up the pecking order for a shot at Will Anderson Jr. He could end up becoming the No. 1 overall selection if everything goes as expected in 2022.

Anderson is a rare edge rusher with some unbelievable traits. His explosiveness is absolutely off the charts and this is matched by a relentless motor that causes complete havoc in opposing backfields from start to finish.

His numbers as a sophomore were nothing short of remarkable. Anderson logged 17.5 sacks, 101 tackles, and an extraordinary 31 tackles for loss – something that has NFL scouts salivating at the prospect of landing the player next year.

Carolina has Brian Burns, who had his fifth-year option picked up and a long-term extension looking likely. But much will depend on how Yetur Gross-Matos and Marquis Haynes perform in 2022 after Haason Reddick left in free agency for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Anderson is going to be the hottest commodity imaginable if he declares for next year’s draft. One that the Panthers and others across the league will be targeting despite the expected strength of quarterbacks entering the league.