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

Carolina Panthers draft Riley Moss

• Cornerback | Iowa Hawkeyes

This is a position I see the Carolina Panthers addressing in free agency. The cornerback room is in need of a veteran presence and having that will help a young group grow while giving time for Donte Jackson to recover from a torn Achilles.

However, adding more talent at the position through the 2023 NFL Draft is certainly an option.

There needs to be improved depth behind the likes of C.J. Henderson and Keith Taylor. Is Riley Moss an upgrade? I don’t think so, as there is still room for growth for the senior from Iowa.

Even so, a game like Week 17 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cannot occur again if the Panthers want to legitimately contend for the NFC South next season.

Moss is another prospect I have yet to watch in-depth and have only seen in passing either by watching other Iowa Hawkeyes on film or the Senior Bowl where he was a participant. However, in the little I have seen, I was impressed with the prospect’s competitive play, ball skills, and straight-line speed.

Simply put, there is value here with Moss.

While he may never start a game in his career, the defensive back will certainly offer depth as a potential No. 4 or No. 5 cornerback who can be a valuable asset on special teams. Something I believe special teams coordinator Chris Tabor will appreciate.