Carolina Panthers 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft: A new era dawns

Carolina Panthers select Derick Hall

• Defensive End/Outside Linebacker | Auburn Tigers

As many Carolina Panthers fans know, finding another edge rusher is a top need for the franchise. Despite a career year from Brian Burns, securing a true No. 2 pass rusher opposite No. 53 is absolutely essential.

In this mock draft, Scott Fitterer goes with the best available in Auburn’s Derick Hall.

Rumors have begun to spread of the possibility that former Panthers defensive coach Vic Fangio would join Frank Reich’s staff in Carolina, giving the team a highly-regarded defensive coordinator. Should he return to the region, Hall would be a great fit in Fangio’s 3-4 defensive front.

Hall is a terrific athlete with a big, long frame that allows him to be a great edge setter and run defender on early downs. The former four-star high school recruit displays outstanding speed-to-power conversion on pass-rush reps and is still growing in that department.

The defensive lineman needs some development when it comes to adding variety to his initial moves and counters. Auburn’s star rusher has incredible first-step explosiveness that allows him to gain an advantage within his first few steps in his rush. He has shown to overwhelm opposing tackles with quickness and power.

Within the next couple of years, I could see Hall being a formidable pass rusher opposite Burns, who is likely to receive a substantial contract extension this spring.