Panthers full 7-round 2023 mock draft if Baker Mayfield earns new deal

Carolina Panthers select Eric Gray

• Running Back | Oklahoma

All eyes will be on Christian McCaffrey in 2022 as the running back returns to full fitness. The Carolina Panthers are expecting big things from the former first-round pick, although how they utilize his exceptional skill set is something to monitor extremely closely as the campaign goes on.

McCaffrey will also provide a fantastic security blanket for Baker Mayfield. Something the quarterback is familiar with after working alongside Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt on the Cleveland Browns.

The Panthers signed D’Onta Foreman in free agency, but if he cannot make a contribution and Chuba Hubbard also fails to make improvements, then finding a better understudy for McCaffrey becomes an essential part of their plans next spring.

Eric Gray is someone that could provide value in the later rounds. The Oklahoma transfer has been a solid if not spectacular performer over his three college seasons and has the tools needed to become a dual-threat if he can improve his decisiveness.

Another area where Gray needs to improve is from a pass-blocking perspective, which is less than stellar. But his speed and lightning-fast feet make him an enticing prospect with room for additional growth.