Which potential Carolina Panthers targets during the 2023 NFL Draft look set to blow up the annual Scouting Combine in Indianapolis?
One of the most important dates on the pre-draft assessment calendar is officially upon us. Hundreds of college hopefuls are currently in Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine, which is the chance to boost their stock and speak with interested teams throughout a busy few days.
The Carolina Panthers will have a strong contingent at the combine, which is usually the case. General manager Scott Fitterer and his team will be analyzing, recruiting, and perhaps even speaking with other teams about what it might cost to move up from No. 9 overall.
This is a fascinating time for fans, who’ve been through more misery than most in recent years. However, there is genuine hope for the future under head coach Frank Reich and a formidable staff that can rival anything in the league.
Looking ahead, here are four potential Panthers draft targets who will blow up the NFL Scouting Combine in 2023.
Draft Target No. 1
Carolina Panthers could draft Darnell Washington
- Tight End | Georgia Bulldogs
Darnell Washington might have played second fiddle to generational prospect Brock Bowers during his time at Georgia, but that does not detract from what an exciting talent he is in his own right.
The tight end has enormous length and an NFL-ready frame capable of making a difference. Washington also has unique athletic intangibles that will go down a storm at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Considering how needy the Carolina Panthers are for a dominant tight end, Washington is a prospect those in power would be wise to monitor closely in the coming days.
Carolina Panthers could draft Julius Brents
- Cornerback | Kansas State Wildcats
Another area where the Carolina Panthers will look to strengthen this offseason is their options at the cornerback spot. Jaycee Horn is on track to be one of the league’s best shutdown presences, but others around him either have trouble staying healthy or lack the consistency needed when prominent reps come their way.
This has the potential to complicate matters for new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, who deploys a lot of nickel packages within his creative 3-4 base scheme. Therefore, the Panthers should address this need through a veteran free agent and perhaps even a high-upside individual from the college ranks for good measure.
Julius Brents is gaining more traction than most at an important time. The Kansas State product came into the assessment period on the back of an impressive final campaign with the Wildcats, which he enhanced with a strong week at the 2023 Senior Bowl.
Brents has immense size at 6-foot-4 and his athleticism for someone so rangy is sure to make more than a few sit up and take notice. He fits the mold of what teams look for in a modern-day cornerback and although some refinement is needed, there is a solid foundation from which to build.
The defensive back is likely to test superbly in all areas. Something that could see Brents enter second-round consideration when push comes to shove.
Carolina Panthers could draft DeMarvion Overshown
- Linebacker | Texas Longhorns
As stated previously, Ejiro Evero’s new defensive system is going to be a lot of fun. The Carolina Panthers have enough athletic individuals to ensure a smooth transition, but some areas must be reinforced to enable their new coordinator every chance to thrive in pursuit of getting a head coaching job in 2024.
This bears more significance across the second level of Carolina’s defense. Some major questions must be answered regarding established figures, with the likes of Damien Wilson and Shaq Thompson running the risk of becoming potential salary-cap casualties in the not-too-distant future.
Regardless of who stays or goes, the Panthers must find themselves another capable presence to assist across the linebacking corps this offseason. There are some tempting targets in this year’s draft, so keeping tabs on DeMarvion Overshown‘s progress at the NFL Scouting Combine would be prudent.
Overshown is a little undersized, so bulking up should help. However, his explosiveness and athletic attributes indicate plenty of room to grow once he gets to the next level.
The former Texas stud might be an intriguing option late on Day 2 or early on Day 3. Overshown will also shine throughout the combine, which only enhances his claims of being taken relatively high when the time comes.
Carolina Panthers could draft Anthony Richardson
- Quarterback | Florida Gators
After much speculation, Anthony Richardson has decided to participate in every drill at the NFL Scouting Combine. And there is arguably no prospect that can help his draft stock more in the coming days.
Richardson gets unfairly tabbed as a raw prospect. There is work to do, obviously, but the quarterback’s growth at Florida last season was encouraging and the physical gifts could make him an NFL star in the right environment.
This is something the Carolina Panthers would provide with their new-look, exceptional coaching staff. But there will be more than a few teams looking at Richardson as someone that can become their franchise signal-caller over time.
The arm strength, escapability from the pocket, and increasing presence are all positives. Richardson needs to improve his throwing touch on short-to-intermediate routes and decision-making at times, but these should progress significantly once he gets acclimatized to the NFL.
Richardson might be the biggest feast or famine prospect to emerge from the college level in a while. But after teams get to see his unique physical traits at the combine, they’ll be salivating at the prospect of bringing him into the fold.
This includes the Panthers, who need a long-term solution at football’s most important position. And they need it now.