Panthers 7-round 2023 mock draft: Life after Christian McCaffrey
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers select Bralen Trice
- Defensive End | Washington
Brian Burns continues to prove his worth as one of the NFL’s most dynamic defensive ends. The Carolina Panthers turned down substantial offers for the player before the trade deadline, which could see the Florida State product get a bumper new contract in the near future.
Although Burns is playing well, the performances of others rushing off the edge leave a lot to be desired. Yetur Gross-Matos just hasn’t reached the targets expected and Marquis Haynes is nothing more than a solid rotational piece, as harsh as that might sound.
This could lead the Panthers into drafting another option or looking to free agency. Ivan Pace Jr. would assist from the second level in this scenario, but the encouraging progress made by Bralen Trice in Washington this season could see a few admiring glances heading in his direction.
Trice has 23 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 9.5 tackles for loss already in 2022. This is a sharp upturn in production from his first taste of college action last year, but the player might opt for another campaign in 2023 to further enhance his draft stock.
There is a lot to like about the way Trice goes about his business. He is enthusiastic, supremely aggressive, and possesses a real eye for making plays in opposing backfields.
If Trice builds up his physique and works on refining his pass-rushing moves, someone is going to have a real prospect on their hands.