Panthers 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft: Bringing sexy back edition

Carolina Panthers draft Adetomiwa Adebawore

• Defensive End/Outside Linebacker | Northwestern Wildcats

Finding a productive, athletic pass-rusher to compliment Brian Burns on the opposite side of Ejiro Evero’s 3-4 base defense is something the Carolina Panthers must accomplish this offseason. Based on the explosiveness of this year’s draft class, acquiring one from the college level seems the most realistic scenario.

There isn’t much money to go around currently. Considering how expensive even modest defensive end performers are in free agency, going down the draft route provides financial flexibility and allows the Panthers to spend freely at other positions.

Although there’s a real chance he could go much higher than this after a standout NFL Scouting Combine, Adetomiwa Adebawore would be a solid addition at this stage with enormous upside. He’s a little rough around the edges, but the power, speed, and agility at the player’s disposal could mean great things in the right environment.

This is something Carolina could provide thanks to their exceptional coaching staff. Adebawore looks tailor-made for a 3-4 outside linebacker role and is also stout enough to put his hand in the dirt in specific situations.

Adebawore looks like a second-round pick, in all honesty. So much will depend on how much the Panthers give up in any potential trade-up.