5 second-round 2023 NFL Draft prospects the Panthers could target

Carolina Panthers could draft Luke Musgrave

• Tight End | Oregon State Beavers

Finding a decent pass-catching tight end is another significant need for the Carolina Panthers this off-season. While hope remains that Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble can feature more within Frank Reich’s scheme, adding to their options in free agency or the 2023 NFL Draft must be considered in case progress cannot be attained.

Much like the interior linemen, this is a good draft class for tight ends – especially at the top end. Although there are some injury red flags to consider, Luke Musgrave looks like the sort of player that can thrive at the next level providing his health problems are a thing of the past.

Musgrave has the length, ball skills, and athleticism to find his way onto any rotation right out of the gate. His route-running is progressing and the prospect also displays enough short-area speed to get open quickly – which is exactly what the Panthers have lacked since the days of Greg Olsen.

There didn’t seem to be any lingering effects from the knee injury that restricted Musgrave to just two games during his final college season at the 2023 Senior Bowl, which is a positive. The tight end stood out considerably throughout the week, which saw his stock soar to a borderline first-round selection heading into the NFL Scouting Combine.

Providing Musgrave improves the blocking aspect of the position, someone is going to have a gem. However, the Panthers wouldn’t need much in that aspect considering how Thomas and Tremble excel in this area.