Ranking the top-five QB prospects the Panthers could draft in 2023

Carolina Panthers could draft C.J. Stroud

Anyone that’s read our mock drafts and other draft-related stories know how high I am on C.J. Stroud. This looks like a tailor-made fit for the Carolina Panthers and one they should work hard to attain in pursuit of finally laying the foundations for a successful future.

Stroud has stereotypical size, can make NFL-caliber throws comfortably, and relies on exceptional accuracy to move the chains. The Ohio State product is also more mobile than people give him credit for – something he put on full display during a sensational performance in the college football playoff against Georgia.

The prospect put on a throwing clinic at the NFL Scouting Combine to further enhance his stock. Stroud looks like someone that could immediately thrive within Frank Reich’s system and the coaches are in place to ensure he hits the ground running.

There’s no doubt Stroud believes he’s the best quarterback in this draft class. At the end of the day, he might be right.

Carolina has a choice to make. Do they sit on their hands and wait to see who might be around or should they strike with conviction to guarantee their prospect of choice?

Considering how things have unfolded in recent years – particularly during the Matt Rhule era – the decision is a simple one to make. And there will never be a better time to make this happen.