5 prospects the Panthers must monitor at 2023 NFL Combine

Carolina Panthers must monitor C.J. Stroud

• Quarterback | Ohio State Buckeyes

Speculation continues to mount about the Carolina Panthers making a daring move up the pecking order to land their quarterback of choice. This is risky, but something that cannot be dismissed if everyone is on the same page.

The cost is likely to be steep. Looking at those picking higher up, the Chicago Bears at No. 1 and the Arizona Cardinals at No. 3 appear the most likely trade partners, but the Panthers need to act fast with other teams contemplating the same thing in the coming weeks.

Looking at the way Frank Reich deploys his offense, having a taller pocket passer would be beneficial. This puts C.J. Stroud firmly under the microscope at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The former Ohio State star has everything one looks for in a franchise quarterback at the next level. His ball placement is first class, he can make every throw, and his presence in the pocket is something else that sets him apart from most entering the league this year.

Stroud has enough athleticism to escape pressure, gain yards on the ground, and conjure up magic off-script. His performance against the national champion Georgia Bulldogs quashed any remaining concerns about the player, who shone on the biggest stage with a remarkable display.

Carolina will do their due diligence on Stroud and others. But this looks like a tremendous fit and considering how the team upgraded its coaching staff, there is no better place for a young quarterback prospect to learn and flourish.