Extremely early Carolina Panthers 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft

Carolina Panthers select Matthew Jones

• Offensive Line | Ohio State

The Carolina Panthers finally made strengthening the offensive line a top priority this offseason. Two prominent starters joined in free agency and the organization also struck gold when left tackle Ikem Ekwonu fell into their laps at No. 6 overall during the 2022 draft.

This all bodes well for real improvements next season providing everything comes together quickly. However, the Panthers might look to the 2023 draft to further boost their depth options with plenty of underperforming veterans out of contract next spring.

Matthew Jones is someone that could come under consideration with another impressive season. The Ohio State lineman is a phenomenal run blocker who crushes all in his path using brute force that also makes a real impact at the second level – something that could easily make a smooth adjustment to the NFL.

There are some concerns about Jones’ length once he gets to the pros. But the interior protector has the power and fluid movement to potentially be a starter in no time at all.

Hopefully, the Panthers will need to fine-tune rather than revamp their offensive line next offseason. Although this is also dependent on how much consistency the team gets at the left guard spot alongside Ekwonu.