Carolina Panthers 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft: Taking chances early

Carolina Panthers select Luke Schoonmaker

• Tight End | Michigan Wolverines

Underwhelming is an understatement when describing the woes of the Carolina Panthers’ tight-end group and the production they did or didn’t provide. Something that’s become an ongoing trend since Greg Olsen departed in 2020 free agency.

Ian Thomas, Tommy Tremble, and Stephen Sullivan were all disappointing in their respective roles this season. This is despite expectations being somewhat high considering offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo’s history with productive tight ends.

This means that the Panthers need to consider upgrading the position not just through free agency but the draft, too. Especially given how important tight ends impacting the passing game is in today’s NFL.

In this mock draft scenario, the team goes through a transition by moving on from Thomas while acquiring a starter through free agency and adding depth via the draft. Hence why Michigan’s Luke Schoonmaker is the selection here.

At 6-foot-5 and 248 pounds, Schoonmaker is a fluid mover for his size, especially in the open field. He will get down and dirty in the trenches and has shown alignment versatility during his time with the Wolverines.

The three-star recruit is a smart player that will allow him to be a reliable No. 3 tight end on the roster. But the Panthers’ plans are unknown until a new coach is confirmed.