5 draft prospects the Carolina Panthers might miss after 2022 resurgence
By Dean Jones
Which 2023 NFL Draft prospects might the Carolina Panthers miss out on after their mini-resurgence under interim head coach Steve Wilks?
After the Carolina Panthers fired Matt Rhule following their 1-4 start and traded Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers, it’s not hard to see why many projected them to have the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. Something that also had a large section of the team’s fanbase in tank mode despite claims to the contrary from general manager Scott Fitterer.
This never entered Steve Wilks’ mindset. In fact, the interim head coach maximized the tools available to secure a 6-6 record under his command and almost came away with a shock NFC South divisional title.
Wilks was never the sort of character to roll over and accept the inevitable. This puts him in a strong position to win the head coaching gig beyond 2022 despite the Panthers examining some of the league’s brightest young offensive minds throughout the interview process.
Carolina’s resurgence under Wilks was just what fans needed after so much failure. But here are five 2023 NFL Draft prospects they might miss out on as a result.
Prospect No. 1
Carolina Panthers could miss out on Will Levis
- Quarterback | Kentucky Wildcats
Even though Will Levis struggled overall in 2022, it would be a shock if his intriguing physical attributes made it to the Carolina Panthers at No. 9 overall.
Everyone is looking for the next Josh Allen or someone to mold into something similar. Even though the Kentucky product has a long way to go, the upside is evident.
Levis’ rapid release and phenomenal arm strength will take the NFL Scouting Combine by storm. The Carolina Panthers should due their due diligence, but trading up for the prospect is another possibility depending on how enamored those in power become.