5 realistic quarterback options for the Carolina Panthers in 2023

Carolina Panthers could draft Will Levis

If the Carolina Panthers decided to hold firm rather than make a daring trade-up during the 2023 NFL Draft, then it leaves their fate with the football gods. This is also unlikely to land them either Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud, the consensus top-two prospects with the production to match.

This leaves the Panthers looking at others. These include prospects with potential that don’t necessarily have the tools to start right away but can be molded into stars over time.

One such individual is becoming arguably the most polarizing prospect in this entire class. Will Levis has all the physical tools normally associated with productive NFL signal-callers, but his inconsistent form in 2022 means it could be some time before he’s ready to start.

Carolina hasn’t really bet on traits when it comes to quarterbacks in recent years. They decided not to trade up for Justin Herbert and passed on Justin Fields in favor of cornerback Jaycee Horn, so whether Matt Rhule’s departure comes with a shift in approach remains to be seen.

Levis has arm strength that is off the charts and his athletic traits are sure to generate real interest during pre-draft assessments. However, processing, decision-making, and keeping his eyes downfield under duress and huge red flags that need substantial coaching over a prolonged period.

This would be risky, there’s no getting away from that. It would also be important for the Panthers to acquire staff capable of nurturing Levis if he ended up in Carolina.