Which way could the Carolina Panthers go with their 2023 NFL Draft selections after getting a broader perspective of prospects at the Senior Bowl?
The Carolina Panthers and others around the league are finalizing their shortlists and conjuring up various scenarios ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. An event that promises to be fascinating with general manager Scott Fitterer calling the personnel shots for the first time.
Fitterer was hindered in his plans by Matt Rhule, who had the final say on roster moves and according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, offered very little wiggle room for differing opinions in pursuit of getting his own way.
Thankfully, this is no longer a problem. This leaves hopes high that Fitterer can bring the right pieces on board after discussions with other leading figures such as Dan Morgan, David Tepper, and new head coach Frank Reich.
Using the NFL Mock Draft Database simulator, we took a look a which way Carolina might go with their draft selections after the 2023 Senior Bowl.
Round No. 1 (Trade)
Carolina Panthers trade up to No. 3 overall
Scott Fitterer has made no secret of his desire to make a big play at the quarterback position. The Carolina Panthers have built up their defense and offensive line in recent years, so now is the time to finally find a signal-caller capable of leading them back to prominence.
Trading up from No. 9 overall is something those in power are already discussing. In this scenario, a deal is struck with the Arizona Cardinals to surge into No. 3.
Carolina Panthers select C.J. Stroud
- Quarterback | Ohio State Buckeyes
If the Carolina Panthers find a way to get themselves into the top three, it’s likely to put them in a good spot in pursuit of finding their long-term quarterback. However, the prospect of someone striking a deal with the Chicago Bears at No. 1 overall is very real and mustn’t be overlooked.
This is already something being rumored in league circles. Many believe the Bears will trade out of the first pick for a king’s ransom, allowing them to surround Justin Fields with everything he needs ahead of a crucial third campaign under center.
Carolina needs to be wary of this and react accordingly. In this situation, C.J. Stroud is there for the taking and if it comes to fruition, the Panthers’ card should be turned in quickly.
Stroud is poised, accurate, composed, and rises to the big occasion. The stigma surrounding Ohio State quarterbacks shouldn’t put the Panthers off – especially if they use his performance against Georgia in the college football playoffs as a measuring stick.
Bringing Stroud to Carolina also gives Scott Fitterer what he’s looking for. The chance to build a competitive roster around a rookie contract.
Not only would Stroud benefit from Frank Reich’s presence as head coach. But the offensive line made major improvements last season and there is enough at the skill positions to ensure he hits the ground running as Panthers QB1.
Carolina Panthers select Will McDonald IV
- Defensive End | Iowa State Cyclones
After giving up valuable capital for the chance to draft C.J. Stroud, general manager Scott Fitterer might look to recoup some picks by trading down. The front office figure has a keen eye for draft board development, proving he can strike with conviction when opportunities arise.
In this mock draft, the Panthers trade down from No. 39 overall for two additional selections. They also managed to bolster their pass-rushing options for good measure.
Finding consistency opposite Brian Burns was an issue for the Panthers last season. Haason Reddick was missed terribly and Will McDonald IV certainly has enough in his locker to play a significant role on the defensive line rotation immediately.
McDonald’s college production was solid and his athleticism is absolutely off the charts for a man his size. This is matched by a high motor and natural instincts that allow the edge presence to locate the football and reach the point of attack with minimal fuss.
Another area where McDonald also thrives is against the run. His lower body power allows him to set the edge and the Iowa State product has the technical skills to get off blocks in pursuit of oncoming runners.
Providing McDonald progresses with his discipline at the line of scrimmage, this is well worth considering from the Panthers’ perspective. And his standout week at the 2023 Senior Bowl did nothing to hurt the player’s stock.
Carolina Panthers select J.L. Skinner
- Safety | Boise State Broncos
While the safety tandem of Jeremy Chinn and Xavier Woods was pretty decent overall in 2022, the Carolina Panthers could move their former second-round selection back to the linebacking corps where he appears best suited.
If this occurs under the new coaching staff, then the Panthers need to bring in enough reinforcements to ensure the backend doesn’t become a complication. Examining the free-agent market should be considered, but there are a number of intriguing draft prospects also worthy of consideration.
J.L. Skinner fits the mold at this stage of the draft. The Boise State product is an imposing force at 6-foot-4 and knows exactly how to put his impressive frame to good use in a competitive football setting.
Skinner is a tremendous asset against the run, giving his all to every tackle with a burst that enables him to close space rapidly. His athleticism in coverage is also commendable, which could even be utilized in slot-man when the situation dictates.
Once the defensive back becomes more assured with route concepts and a little less reactionary, he should have a solid NFL career. Skinner shone at the Senior Bowl this week, which makes him a tempting proposition for the Panthers later on Day 2.
Carolina Panthers select Julius Brents
- Cornerback | Kansas State Wildcats
Finding assistance at the cornerback position is another option for the Carolina Panthers this offseason. Especially considering how much time Donte Jackson could miss in 2023 thanks to a torn Achilles.
C.J. Henderson and Keith Taylor Jr. demonstrated little consistency last season when tasked with starting responsibilities. The Panthers have a true difference-maker in Jaycee Horn, but they can ill afford the other side of the field to be exploited during Frank Reich’s first season as head coach.
One cannot dismiss the notion of a free agent signing being acquired for instant relief. Carolina also has the scope to utilize one of their top 150 selections on the position with a ton of talent in this year’s class.
Julius Brents has the size, length, and athleticism to assist on the rotation. A smooth transition to the pro ranks could also lead to a starting berth much sooner than anticipated.
The former Kansas State stud has the ball skills, straight-line speed, and strength to hold his own against NFL wide receivers. It’s a huge step up in class for Brents, but he has most intangibles normally associated with productive cornerbacks at the next level.
This is a solid foundation from which to build. There are some footwork issues at times for Brents, but the prospect is well worth a look at this juncture.
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.
Carolina Panthers select Owen Pappoe
- Linebacker | Auburn Tigers
When Luke Kuechly retired after a glittering NFL career, there was always going to be a steep drop-off at the middle linebacker position. However, after three years of lackluster consistency through various options, the Carolina Panthers must get their next move right this offseason.
Going down the veteran route hasn’t come with much success over the last three years. Acquiring someone from the 2023 NFL Draft gives them a cheap, long-term option if they finally find the correct fit.
Although the Panthers would be betting on athletic traits, Owen Pappoe ticks all the boxes if his ceiling is reached. And gambles such as this are something that’s been evident throughout Scott Fitterer’s first two drafts as general manager.
Pappoe is a physical specimen with every tool imaginable to become an NFL star. He is a little undersized in terms of height, but this rarely comes across on film thanks to his ability to become an exceptional presence in all phases.
Much like the situation with Brandon Smith in 2022, there are concerns regarding why Pappoe hasn’t put everything together in a more consistent manner. But the Penn State product demonstrated growth as a rookie which could lead the Panthers to take another with a similar upside.
Carolina Panthers select Davis Allen
- Tight End | Clemson Tigers
It would be a huge shock if the Carolina Panthers didn’t secure another tight end to improve pass-catching at the position next season. Greg Olsen’s remains missed three seasons after his departure, so influential figures within the organization must find a way to make the necessary improvements.
While landing a big name on the free-agent market should be strongly considered – especially if the Panthers secure a rookie quarterback via the draft – adding a promising prospect from the college level is another route Carolina could go.
If the Panthers wait until later in the draft, then someone like Davis Allen enters the equation. This would also break the long streak of Carolina never selecting a prospect from nearby Clemson University.
Allen is raw and lacks elite athleticism, but he is a contested catch phenom that excels as a possession figurehead and in the red zone. Something that the Panthers have been sorely missing in recent seasons.
With 39 receptions for 431 receiving yards and five touchdowns for the Tigers in 2022, Allen is on an upward curve. Whether it’s enough for the Panthers to contemplate rather than a productive veteran in free agency is another matter.
Carolina Panthers select Ricky Stromberg
- Offensive Line | Arkansas Razorbacks
Even though the Carolina Panthers offensive line made tremendous strides in 2022, improving depth is essential during almost every off-season. This bears special significance considering injuries and those out of contract this spring.
Bradley Bozeman and Cam Erving are looking for new deals. Pat Elflein is a prime cut candidate and the starting inside tandem of Brady Christensen and Austin Corbett are currently rehabbing serious injuries suffered late in the campaign. This makes it essential further reinforcements are sought in the coming weeks.
It might be worth taking a late-flier on Ricky Stromberg based on his college production. The versatile player specializes at the center spot, but his athleticism could possibly transition onto one of the guard positions if the situation dictates.
Stromberg’s football IQ and ability to read defenses pre-snap are outstanding. There is an impressive ruthlessness to his production, especially when it comes to concluding blocks with authority in the run game.
There is some development needed in pass protection – especially from a footwork standpoint. However, the Panthers retained offensive line coach James Campen, whose worked wonders so far and could become an influential figure in Stromberg’s initial development if he ends up in Carolina.