3 local prospects the Panthers could target in the 2023 NFL Draft
By Jordan Davis
Carolina Panthers could target Trenton Simpson
- Linebacker | Clemson Tigers
Across their history, the Carolina Panthers have drafted players from almost every major North and South Carolina University. Yet, oddly enough, they have never selected a prospect from Clemson. This could change with Trenton Simpson.
A five-star recruit from Charlotte, Simpson is Carolina through-and through. He amassed 165 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks across his three years under Dabo Sweeney, which is outstanding production for a defensive front seven that could have three first-rounders in 2023.
As a prospect, Simpson brings exceptional versatility to the linebacker position. He is one of those chess piece players that defensive coaches love to utilize.
Simpson can be seen rushing off the edge, running sideline-to-sideline to stop the run, and even lining up as a nickel cover-guy. He is a do-it-all weapon that could provide assistance to the Panthers second-level which hasn’t been the same since Luke Kuechhly retired.
With Cory Littleton set to become a free agent, and Shaq Thompson pending as a cap casualty this offseason, the Panthers desperately need to add to their linebacker room. Simpson would definitely fit a need for Carolina and would finally end the Clemson streak if he came on board.
Simpson is expected to be a first-round pick at some stage. So much will depend on what Carolina decides to do at the quarterback position in this scenario.