6 prospects the Panthers should monitor during 2023 CFB playoffs

Which draft prospects should the Carolina Panthers have their eye on during the upcoming college football playoffs in 2023?

Although the Carolina Panthers are gearing up for their biggest game in some time at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17, some within the organization will have attention elsewhere. Most notably, the 2023 college football playoffs.

Scouts are busy preparing evaluations on potential draft prospects for the Panthers in 2023. How certain individuals perform with the spotlight glaring over the next fortnight could have big-time implications on where they end up upon arriving at the next level.

The Panthers have multiple needs and plenty of draft capital after trading Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers before the deadline. If general manager Scott Fitterer can hit on the majority of selections, then Carolina could emerge as NFC South title favorites as a result.

That is how high the stakes are next spring. With this in mind, here are six prospects the Panthers should monitor closely during the college football playoffs.

Prospect No. 1

Carolina Panthers should monitor Sedrick Van Pran

• Offensive Line | Georgis Bulldogs

In an ideal world, the Carolina Panthers will be able to extend Bradley Bozeman, who’s been a revelation at the center position since replacing Pat Elflein. But those in power must also form a contingency plan if terms cannot be reached.

Sedrick Van Pran is a prospect with Day 1 starting potential. His communication, footwork, and agility have stood out considerably for the all-conquering Georgia Bulldogs in 2022, so the player can cement his status as a top-75 selection with a polished playoff before taking his chances in the pros.