Extremely early Carolina Panthers 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft

Carolina Panthers select Chase Brown

• Running Back | Illinois

Christian McCaffrey’s health will be under the microscope more than ever in 2022. The early offseason signs look promising from the running back, but fans have seen all this before without it amounting to anything like the sort of availability needed.

The Carolina Panthers would be wise to utilize McCaffrey in a different way next season. The player has also sought counsel from Marshall Faulk on how to prepare better and keep himself fit throughout the campaign.

If McCaffrey misses considerable time once again, it would be a disaster. It could also see the team move on from the All-Pro entirely considering the money still owed on his contract.

There is a lot of football to be played, obviously. But taking a late-round flyer on someone like Chase Brown might enter Carolina’s train of thought.

The Illinois prospect is coming off the first 1,000-yard rushing campaign of his career last time around. Although he isn’t blessed with game-changing speed, the patience displayed by Brown coupled with real conviction makes him an enticing option.

In truth, there is absolutely no way to predict what the Panthers will need and who will even be around to make these calls next year. Even if it is fun to think about for draft junkies up and down the country.