Which way could the Carolina Panthers go with their 2023 NFL Draft selections as they prepare to move forward without running back Christian McCaffrey?
It was a dramatic period leading up to the 2022 trade deadline for the Carolina Panthers. Matt Rhule was fired, Robbie Anderson and Christian McCaffrey were traded, with many other established stars also the subject of interest from across the league to further raise concerns.
The Panthers opted to keep their young core intact. This decreases their needs in free agency and the draft next year, which also makes Carolina a more attractive destination for any incoming head coach if Steve Wilks doesn’t do enough to win the job long-term.
Moving McCaffrey, who became the face of the franchise after Cam Newton’s departure, was a difficult decision. But in truth, the deal secured represented a win-win for all parties.
For the Panthers, it got them substantial draft capital to utilize next spring. And for McCaffrey, he lands on a contender in the San Francisco 49ers and already looks like he’s going to be a real difference-maker within Kyle Shanahan’s expansive scheme.
Although the Panthers’ options have increased exponentially following their recent moves, it will count for nothing if they don’t bring the right reinforcements from the college ranks. Rhule left an almighty mess behind, but there is enough to provide hope for the future with a strong upcoming offseason.
Using the Pro Football Network machine, we took a look at which way Carolina could go with their eight selections in our latest seven-round 2023 NFL mock draft.
Carolina Panthers select Bryce Young
- Quarterback | Alabama
The Carolina Panthers are currently picking at No. 3 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. This puts them in a prime position to select a potential franchise quarterback.
Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and the resurgent P.J. Walker are all out of contract next spring. One might come back, but with rookie Matt Corral missing the entire campaign with a broken foot, he’s unlikely to be ready for the starting job all things considered.
Carolina spurned the chance to take a blue-chip prospect under Matt Rhule. They didn’t go through with a daring trade-up for Justin Herbert in 2020 and preferred Jaycee Horn to Justin Fields in 2021, bringing Darnold into the fold instead.
If Bryce Young was there at No. 3 – or C.J. Stroud for that matter – the Panthers shouldn’t hesitate.
These two prospects are seemingly a class apart within this group. Although there are concerns about the Alabama star’s size, his poise and ability to take over games cannot be ignored given the current trend across the league.
Young is rarely rattled in the pocket, can make every throw imaginable, and has enough creative intelligence to make things happen on the move. The Panthers haven’t had anyone like that under center since Cam Newton was at the peak of his powers.
Carolina Panthers select Jahmyr Gibbs
- Running Back | Alabama
Trading away Christian McCaffrey was a necessary evil for the Carolina Panthers. This team is going nowhere fast in2022, so maximizing the running back’s value and providing some salary-cap flexibility was the right call to make in difficult circumstances.
D’Onta Foreman’s been a real asset in McCaffrey’s absence. If his tremendous form continues in the coming weeks, the Panthers will likely extend the player and make him among their focal points moving forward.
With that being said, the Panthers could also examine the top running back prospects emerging from the college ranks. Bijan Robinson is the undisputed No. 1 and is unlikely to be around on Day 2, but Jahmyr Gibbs is not a bad consolation prize by any stretch of the imagination.
Gibbs has blazed a trail for Alabama following his transfer from Georgia Tech in 2022. His explosiveness and power make him an extremely difficult proposition to stop and from the Panthers’ point of view, his previous chemistry with Bryce Young on the Crimson Tide would smooth their respective transitions to a professional environment.
There is nothing Gibbs cannot do on the field. He’s already amassed 973 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns through eight games, so this looks like a ready-made successor to McCaffrey in Carolina.
Carolina Panthers select Ivan Pace Jr.
- Outside Linebacker | Cincinnati
The Carolina Panthers could be after some reinforcements at the second level in 2023. Considering money is tight and players such as Brian Burns and Jeremy Chinn could be extended, using draft capital on strengthening the linebacker room should be considered on multiple occasions.
Assuming Frankie Luvu is a lock to return and start, the Panthers could be on the lookout for two defenders depending on Shaq Thompson’s situation. Starting unproven professional players in this area of the field is a risk, but one that could reap some long-term gains if general manager Scott Fitterer and his staff secure some home runs.
Ivan Pace Jr. looks like a prospect of promise. The Cincinnati stud is a ferocious presence, boasting three-down capabilities that look best suited to an outside position once he gets to the NFL.
Pace has exceptional instincts and enough strength within his frame to set the edge against the run. Couple this with outstanding pass-rush explosiveness and it’s not hard to see why so many analysts are high on his chances at the next level.
There are some technical areas that need a little work. Pace can also add additional mass to cope with bigger, more imposing offensive linemen, but he is well worth a look at this stage.
Carolina Panthers select Justin Flowe
- Linebacker | Oregon
Big changes could be coming to the linebacker corps in 2023. The Carolina Panthers have decisions to make about Damien Wilson and Cory Littleton, with Shaq Thompson’s extortionate salary-cap number in the final year of his deal likely to come with a trade of release next spring.
Much will depend on how Carolina sees fourth-rounder Brandon Smith, who’s been seldom seen on the defensive rotation over the first half of 2022. Regardless, the Panthers should look at the next batch of college prospects entering the league, and thanks to their trade for Christian McCaffrey, they have the capital to potentially acquire one or two players that can provide an immediate impact.
Someone like Justin Flowe has enough momentum to enter consideration for this spot. The Oregon standout has formed an exceptional partnership with Noah Sewell, giving the Ducks a supreme tandem that should both thrive in the pros.
Flowe fits the athletic mold of players drafted under general manager Scott Fitterer. He is physical enough to enforce matters against the run and excels in coverage, which is exactly where the Panthers struggle in key situations.
If there was a knock on Flowe, it’s an inconsistency finishing off plays. However, this should progress over time.
Providing his transition goes smoothly, this is a Day 1 starter with significant upside.
Carolina Panthers select Jalin Hyatt
- Wide Receiver | Tennessee
Trading Robbie Anderson to the Arizona Cardinals just one day after his sideline outburst at the Los Angeles Rams was wise for all concerned. The Carolina Panthers got rid of an expensive player not meeting targets and gave them two low-end draft selections to package another move-up in the not-too-distant future.
Terrace Marshall Jr. seems to be thriving without the presence of Anderson and previous head coach Matt Rhule. The Panthers are also hoping Laviska Shenault Jr. can get over his recent injury problems and become a dynamic contributor following his trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
No team can ever have enough quality pass-catchers. If someone with the talent of Jalin Hyatt was there for the taking at this juncture, Carolina would be foolish not to consider the possibility.
Hyatt has blazed a trail for Tennessee this season. The wideout boasts elite speed that stretches the field with ease and has been an absolute nightmare to cover throughout the college football campaign.
The wideout is also benefitting from the presence of Hendon Hooker under center en route to 45 receptions, 907 receiving yards, 14 touchdowns, and a whopping 20.7 yards per catch as a result of his efforts to date. Something that could see him taken a lot higher than this when the time arrives.
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.
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.
Carolina Panthers select Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu
- Offensive Tackle | Oregon
Although the Carolina Panthers offensive line is among the NFL’s most improved groups, continuing to enhance depth behind the starting unit is essential. Considering how costly offensive linemen are in free agency, doing this through the draft is the best possible solution.
Providing the Panthers can work out a contract extension with starting center Bradley Bozeman, the starting lineup could be set for years to come. Hopefully, the likes of Cade Mays can provide backup assistance, but taking a flier on a prospect with the athletic attributes of Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu with the team’s final 2023 draft selection could be worth its weight in gold.
Aumavae-Laulu has that Hawaiian strength synonymous with players from the region. He is not in the same stratosphere as Penei Sewell, the most recent Ducks tackle to make it in the pros, but he didn’t give up a sack in 2021 and has the length needed to play a role in the NFL with more development.
The prospect plays long and has enough intelligence to cope with almost any pass-rushing move. There is a susceptibility against speedier edge defenders, so his movement skills need brushing up significantly before seeing an NFL field.
Carolina would need nothing more than a depth chart piece given the presence of Taylor Moton and Ikem Ekwonu. A true bookmark tackle tandem that the team has been craving for almost a decade.
With that being said, Aumavae-Laulu has room to grow and could end up being another late-round gem for general manager Scott Fitterer’s collection.