Panthers 7-round 2023 mock draft: Life after Christian McCaffrey
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers select Byron Young
- Defensive Tackle | Alabama
Derrick Brown’s production this season has been nothing short of exceptional. The defensive tackle looks well on course to have his fifth-year option picked up and if there was any justice, he’d also get serious consideration for Pro Bowl or perhaps even All-Pro honors if his performance levels are sustained.
The Carolina Panthers also signed the right partner for Brown in Matt Ioannidis, who compliments the former Auburn standout extremely well. Those in power should do everything in their power to extend him this offseason despite his ex-college coach Matt Rhule no longer being around.
If Ioannidis leaves in free agency, Carolina is short of dependable options on the interior. Byron Young represents a ton of value in this spot and comes from an Alabama program that’s renowned for producing high-quality, NFL-caliber defenders.
Young’s size, body, and imposing strength already look ready for the next level. His run defense is outstanding thanks to a nice blend of balance and power at the point of attack that makes him difficult to stop in one on one situations.
While the player doesn’t have the necessary explosiveness to get after the quarterback, this represents a low-risk, high-reward pickup for the Panthers with other needs filled beforehand.