4 draft gambles the Carolina Panthers could make in 2023
By Dean Jones
What 2023 NFL Draft gambles could the Carolina Panthers make in pursuit of strengthening their chances of progression under Frank Reich?
We are just under a week away from the NFL Scouting Combine, which represents another chance for college hopefuls to impress scouts, coaches, and leading front-office figures ahead of the draft. The Carolina Panthers will have a strong contingent in attendance, which could play a leading part in the assessment of various prospects of interest this spring.
Carolina has eight selections currently thanks in no small part to trading Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers. There are obvious needs to fill right now, although that could all change depending on the comings and going that are sure to transpire during the early stages of free agency.
With an exceptional coaching staff in place, this is a tremendous landing spot for any incoming college recruit. If the Panthers find the right pieces and mold them accordingly, it will do their chances of a long-awaited playoff return next season an untold amount of good.
There’s also enough wiggle room for a risk or two along the way. With this in mind, here are four draft gambles the Panthers could make in 2023.
Draft Gamble No. 1
Carolina Panthers could ignore OL depth
The Carolina Panthers got improved production from their offensive line last season. However, the unit heads into the spring with some questions.
Austin Corbett and Brady Christensen face a long road back from their respective complications, Bradley Bozeman and Cameron Erving are out of contract, with Pat Elflein emerging as a potential cut candidate to give Carolina extra funds to spend.
If the Panthers don’t draft a lineman for additional depth if nothing else – which is entirely possible given needs elsewhere – then it could come back to haunt them.