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

Carolina Panthers draft Nathaniel “Tank” Dell

• Wide Receiver | Houston Cougars

If you look at the current top three wide receivers on the Carolina Panthers roster, you may view it as a decent group already. D.J. Moore is the easy No. 1 with alignment versatility, while Terrace Marshall Jr. possesses talent as the “Z” receiver, and Laviska Sheanult Jr. could thrive further in his gadget/slot role with Frank Reich calling plays.

However, the team is missing crucial depth and a potential true starter in the slot. It might be a risky move considering he is another outlier at his position, but I like the idea of Nathaniel “Tank” Dell as that No. 4 wideout who can be a potential threat in space from the slot.

Dell’s frame is not ideal at 5-foot-9 and 160 pounds. Yet, he makes up for it with great short-area quickness, twitch, and a second and third gear to accelerate for big gains.

“Tank” was Houston’s top player this past season with 17 receiving touchdowns while averaging nearly 13 yards per catch. So he’s gaining impressive momentum at just the right time.

While a rookie quarterback is off the table for at least another season in this scenario, having more playmakers on the offensive side of the ball will help the current signal-caller in place succeed under head coach Frank Reich and offensive coordinator Thomas Brown. Whether that’s Matt Corral or a veteran is up for debate.