Panthers 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft: Worst-case scenario edition

Carolina Panthers draft Calijah Kancey

• Defensive Tackle | Pittsburgh Panthers

With Eijero Evero in as defensive coordinator, gap-penetrating, attack-style defensive linemen will be potential targets in the upcoming NFL Draft for general manager Scott Fitterer. With Murphy shoring up the No. 2 edge rusher spot, finding a future starter at the five-technique should be a priority if they miss on re-signing Matt Ioannidis or bringing in a free agent.

I like the prospect of drafting Calijah Kancey on Day 2 of the draft. There has been little traction on Kancey in the process, but the former Pittsburgh Panther is a potential star at defensive tackle despite being undersized for the position at 6-foot-0 and 275 pounds.

Kancey will be unfairly compared to his predecessor, Aaron Donald, due to being an outlier in the position. They’re completely different players, though he is arguably the top pass-rushing interior defensive lineman in this class outside of Jalen Carter, who could go No. 1 overall if the Chicago Bears don’t trade out of the pick.

The ACC Defensive Player of the Year is the type of attacking-style defensive lineman that the Carolina Panthers would enjoy having on their front seven. Kancey could be a part of a defense that could turn into one of the better units in football in 2023 with Evero leading the charge.