Panthers 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft: Changing places edition
By Dean Jones
Which way could the Carolina Panthers go with their 2023 NFL Draft selections after the team’s defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15?
The Carolina Panthers were once in strong contention to secure the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, that is no longer the case after a phenomenal turnaround from interim head coach Steve Wilks in a relatively short space of time.
Wilks’ complete culture shift has everyone on the same page. Something that brought an electric atmosphere to Bank of America Stadium for their Week 15 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It hadn’t been seen in Charlotte for an age. Meaningful football in December with an NFC South title in sight, but the Panthers folded like a cheap suit as they were dealt a humbling loss against a well-prepared Pittsburgh outfit led by Mike Tomlin.
This resurgence is having draft implications, obviously. Using the Pro Football Focus simulator, we took a look at which way the Panthers might go with their 2023 picks in our latest seven-round mock from No. 9 overall.
Round No. 1 (Trade)
Carolina Panthers trade down from No. 9 overall
With Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Will Levis all off the board, the prospect of a trade-down for the Carolina Panthers should be considered. Especially if players such as Myles Murphy and Will Anderson Jr. are also unavailable by this point.
General manager Scott Fitterer is not shy in making moves up and down the board depending on the situation. if he feels it can benefit the franchise, then he won’t hesitate to pull the trigger.