Which way could the Carolina Panthers go with their 2023 draft selections after a busy week of evaluations at the NFL Scouting Combine?
With the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine now coming to a conclusion, the Carolina Panthers will have a broader lay of the land regarding potential targets and the options at their disposal. Interviews and assessments formed the key elements throughout the week, with the team also using this opportunity to discuss a potential switch for veteran free-agent Derek Carr.
This has come with a mixed reaction from the team’s fanbase, who want a long-term alternative via the draft. However, judging by the general consensus in Indianapolis, the Panthers might need to make a daring move up the pecking order to land their prospect of choice.
General manager Scott Fitterer and others have a monumental upcoming decision at football’s most important position. One that could shape the franchise’s future for good or bad in the coming years.
Using the NFL Mock Draft Database simulator, we took a look at how the Panthers might utilize their eight 2023 draft selections in our latest seven-round mock.
Round No. 1 (Trade)
Carolina Panthers trade up to No. 1 overall
This is not a time for half-measures. The time to act is now.
The Carolina Panthers cannot sit around and wait for things to unfold in front of them. Anthony Richardson and C.J. Stroud lit up the NFL Scouting Combine, which only heightens the sense of urgency in pursuit of landing a true franchise player under center.
If Carolina wants to guarantee they get their guy, trading for the No. 1 overall selection is the only way this scenario becomes reality. It won’t be cheap, but the reward could be significant as Scott Fitterer looks to put his sexy draft into action.
Carolina Panthers draft C.J. Stroud
- Quarterback | Ohio State Buckeyes
If the Carolina Panthers land the No. 1 overall selection, which cannot be ruled out entirely, then they’ll have their pick of the quarterback litter. And there are four legitimate contenders to examine thoroughly before coming to an eventual concussion.
Bryce Young has magic that cannot be taught despite some durability concerns. Anthony Richardson and Will Levis have extreme promise, but both need some time to further develop their craft before becoming NFL starters.
Looking at these factors and also examining the type of quarterback Frank Reich likes, then the decision is C.J. Stroud. The Ohio State product has everything one looks for in a productive NFL quarterback, with his masterful throwing display during the combine gaining significant plaudits to further enhance his stock.
Stroud has it all. He is accurate, can make every throw imaginable, and has a winning mentality. This is matched by enough athleticism to escape pressure and gain yards on the ground when opportunities arise.
The Panthers have to get their guy this off-season. Make no mistake, Stroud ticks all the boxes and is worth the risk, but whether Carolina can pull off such a big move up from No. 9 overall remains to be seen.
Carolina Panthers draft Darnell Washington
- Tight End | Georgia Bulldogs
Now that the Carolina Panthers have their franchise quarterback, it’s vital they provide enough weapons around him for a smooth transition. This turns the focus to bolstering the team’s tight end options either via free agency or the 2023 NFL Draft.
According to Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer, he expects the Panthers to be aggressive in pursuit of finding an upgrade on Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble based on things he’s heard at the NFL Scouting Combine. And there was a lot to like about the tight ends during drills, who put on a show in front of scouts and key front office personnel.
One player that caught everyone’s attention was Darnell Washington. The physical specimen displayed his elite athleticism with a standout display in Indianapolis, which also included a jaw-dropping one-handed catch that drew gasps from those in attendance.
https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1632181022887403520
Washington’s performance during the combine means he could enter first-round consideration. He was behind Brock Bowers on the Georgia Bulldogs’ depth chart, but that is no slight whatsoever considering his former teammate could be a top-five selection in 2024.
If everything clicks for Washington, he could be the complete package. An NFL-ready blocker that represents a mismatch nightmare for slot cornerbacks or linebackers across the middle and especially in the red zone.
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.
Carolina Panthers draft Marvin Mims
- Wide Receiver | Oklahoma Sooners
As stated previously, the Carolina Panthers must surround C.J. Stroud or another talented quarterback prospect with the tools needed to thrive. Their offensive line looks good provided Bradley Bozeman is retained and their two starting guards recover from long-term injuries, so focusing on bolstering the skill positions is an important part of the planning process.
D.J. Moore is a reliable pass-catching presence and Terrace Marshall Jr. could be in line for a true breakout campaign within Frank Reich’s system. However, there are questions about others in the wide receiver room that could mean an addition or two before OTAs begin.
This looks like another decent group of wideouts. And if Marvin Mims is still around by this point, the Panthers should examine the prospect of bringing him into the fold.
Mims might not be the biggest wideout to ever grace the NFL, but he offers something different from what Carolina currently has. Specifically, the ability to get open in the slot and the speed to stretch the field almost at will.
While the one-time Oklahoma standout might be a little undersized, the benefits of adding him to Reich’s scheme on offense could be vast. And if anyone could maximize his production, it’s the recently appointed head coach.
Carolina Panthers draft Owen Pappoe
- Linebacker | Auburn Tigers
There are some significant questions for the Carolina Panthers to answer across their linebacking corps before the 2023 season arrives. Switching to a 3-4 base scheme means more is needed on the interior, especially considering the futures of Cory Littleton, Damien Wilson, and Shaq Thompson are up in the air currently.
If Jeremy Chinn moves closer to the line of scrimmage, the need becomes less urgent. But judging by his production at Auburn and an unbelievable NFL Scouting Combine performance, Owen Pappoe looks like a superb scheme fit and one that can provide immediate help.
Pappoe is the definition of a dynamic player. His straight-line speed is phenomenal, the power is right on point with his physique, and every eye-popping testing score comes across on his film.
While Pappoe never quite hit the heights expected of a five-star high school recruit, it’s a risk worth taking. Something the Panthers did last year around this stage of the 2022 NFL Draft with Brandon Smith, who could flourish with improved coaches in readiness for the upcoming campaign.
Carolina could do far worse than draft Pappoe at this stage – especially if they examine what the player could be rather than his college production. Whether he’ll be available on Day 3 after such blistering numbers in Indianapolis is anyone’s guess.
Carolina Panthers draft Zacch Pickens
- Defensive Line | South Carolina Gamecocks
Switching to a 3-4 base scheme should play to the Carolina Panthers’ strengths on defense. However, they could use some alternative options on the defensive line if Brian Burns switches to an outside linebacker role.
Derrick Brown’s skill set looks better suited to the 3-4 defensive end spot. Carolina’s plans are also dependent on whether Matt Ioannidis sticks around or not after some impressive performances as the campaign wore on.
The Panthers look a little light in terms of their nose tackle options. Although the creativity of Ejiro Evero’s system means there will be plenty of chopping and changing based on specific situations.
With that being said, Zacch Pickens could have some value if he’s on the board here. The South Carolina product has the size and burst to make a three-down impact over time and has the potential to be a high-impact rotational piece immediately if he takes on coaching.
The former four-star high school recruit has room to develop from a pass-rushing standpoint. Adding a little more ruthlessness to his game should also help against bigger, more imposing NFL offensive linemen.
Pickens would likely welcome staying in an area he’s called home for a long time now. The Panthers would also be wise to seek the counsel of former college teammate Jaycee Horn before coming to a formal conclusion.
Carolina Panthers draft D’Shawn Jamison
- Defensive Back | Texas Longhorns
Not addressing the secondary until this late stage would be risky. But if the Carolina Panthers want instant progress, then this is a good crop of free agents at both cornerback and safety positions that can help defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero achieve his objectives.
Adding a development project that offers versatility is something that could also reap long-term rewards. Although D’Shawn Jamison has flaws, he’s been a productive starter for years at Texas and boasts the sort of athletic profile Carolina normally seeks in those further down the draft board.
Jamison has experience playing almost everywhere across the secondary. His best asset is getting receivers off their routes in press coverage, but there are some other encouraging elements in terms of explosiveness and instincts that could emerge into something more over time.
Once Jamison becomes more disciplined in his risk-taking and makes the right footwork improvements, this might end up being a high-value selection. But if the Panthers keep both their second-rounders, solidifying the secondary on Day 2 is a distinct possibility given Donte Jackson’s injury concerns and the less-than-stellar performances of C.J. Henderson and Keith Taylor Jr. in 2022.
Players taken at this stage of the draft are done so in hope more than expectation. Looking at the college production and the scope for growth, Jamison is the epitome of this.