Panthers 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft: Post-Senior Bowl edition

Carolina Panthers select Jayden Reed

• Wide Receiver | Michigan State Spartans

Surrounding a new quarterback with everything they need to be successful should be among the primary objectives in 2023. As stated previously, the Carolina Panthers have some good pieces in place already, but fine-tuning the offense with Frank Reich leading the charge has the potential to make a massive difference.

While the likes of D.J. Moore and Terrace Marshall Jr. will be heavily featured, others in the wide receiver room such as Shi Smith and Laviska Shenault Jr. have plenty to prove. Therefore, getting another high-upside option from the college level is more likely than not.

If Jayden Reed is available a little later in the process, the Panthers should take a long, hard look. The Michigan State product’s elusiveness came across in no uncertain terms throughout Senior Bowl week, which was exactly what the wideout needed after a down year statistically in 2022.

Reed is extremely sharp out of his routes and boasts soft hands that allow him to keep the chains moving. The prospect looks tailormade for slot duties in the NFL, which is exactly where the Panthers might need assistance if Smith or Shenault cannot step up.

There is some work to do with Reed, there’s no denying that. But the receiver certainly has the physical attributes to make a notable contribution once he puts everything together.