Panthers 7-round 2023 mock draft: Daring trade brings rewards
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers select Jalen Carter
- Defensive Tackle | Georgia
Trading for two picks in the top 11 in this situation provides additional options for the Carolina Panthers. There are multiple needs to fill and not much money available right now, so the more difference-makers they can secure from the college ranks, the better their chances will be.
If Jalen Carter was still available by this point, the Panthers shouldn’t hesitate. The formidable defensive tackle is growing in stature once again and if it wasn’t for the presence of Alabama’s stud edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., this would be the best defensive player entering the NFL next year.
The disruption Carter causes on the defensive line interior is astonishing. His unique blend of size, power, speed, and athleticism make him a true three-down threat and almost impossible to stop in one-on-one situations.
Pairing Carter with Derrick Brown would give the Panthers a dominant defensive tackle tandem for years to come. If both hit the ground running, this could also quickly emerge as one of the league’s most dominant partnerships given their respective skill sets.
It would take a brave team in need of defensive help early in the draft to pass on Carter. The Georgia stud is well on course for back-to-back national titles and his stock will rise further once his exceptional athletic attributes get put through their paces at events such as the NFL Scouting Combine.