5 draft prospects Ejiro Evero might want for the Panthers defense in 2023

Carolina Panthers could draft Drew Sanders

• Linebacker | Arkansas Razorbacks

It’s time for the Carolina Panthers to finally put a long-term plan in place at the linebacker position. Frankie Luvu is a star in the making and Brandon Smith could also shine under Ejiro Evero’s leadership, but the rest come into the offseason with their futures hanging in the balance thanks to suspect production and salary-cap implications.

There won’t be a better off-season for the Panthers to address the second level. This is a deep draft class for interior linebackers and Carolina has an abundance of picks in the top 150 thanks to their decision to send Christian McCaffrey packing before the deadline.

Obviously, the need for a quarterback trumps anything else. Once those in power settle on their signal-caller of choice, then examining someone like Drew Sanders on Day 2 should be considered.

Sanders is a sideline-to-sideline presence that came of age at Arkansas last season. The prospect was an absolute revelation en route to 103 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss, and five passes defended, which is the sort of well-rounded production every NFL team covets.

At 6-foot-5 and 232 pounds, Sanders has an NFL-ready frame and can be utilized almost anywhere across the second level. Something that should entice Evero at a key position of need in Carolina.