Extremely early Carolina Panthers 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers select Trenton Simpson
- Linebacker | Clemson
The Carolina Panthers don’t have a third-round selection in 2023 after giving it to the New England Patriots in exchange for No. 94 overall this year and the opportunity to select quarterback Matt Corral. This is something that general manager Scott Fitterer might look to recoup at some stage, with a deal struck with the Arizona Cardinals in this scenario.
Much has been made about the Panthers never selecting a college prospect from nearby Clemson since the team was formed almost three decades ago. However, this might change next spring considering the wealth of talent set to emerge from the Tigers.
Finding a long-term successor for Luke Kuechly has been a difficult task for Carolina since the perennial All-Pro retired after the 2019 season. Depending on how Damien Wilson performs and Brandon Smith’s progress, it might be among the team’s top priorities once again next time around.
Trenton Simpson certainly looks the part and is poised for a big season in 2022. He is a sideline-to-sideline presence that can impact the run and also create havoc in opposing backfields in obvious passing situations.
With 10.5 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, and 93 tackles over his first two seasons in college, Simpson has the world at his feet. And he might be the one to end the Panthers’ streak of ignoring stars from Clemson along the way.