What are some major observations from the Carolina Panthers reportedly making their bold move up to No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft?
It’s done.
The Carolina Panthers have reportedly struck a deal with the Chicago Bears for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Ryan Poles asked for a steep price as expected, but those in power now have the pick of quarterback prospects as they look to mold a contender under Frank Reich.
This was an absolute bombshell in no uncertain terms. The Panthers were crying out for a long-term presence under center after so much mismanagement under Matt Rhule, but the hard work starts now for those in power as they aim to make the correct choice from the premier spot above all.
With this in mind, here are four major observations from the Panthers’ sensational surge up to No. 1 overall. A move that sent shockwaves across the entire league on Friday evening.
Major Observation No. 1
Carolina Panthers paid the cost of doing business
The Carolina Panthers could not sit on their hands and wait for things to develop in front of them. They were willing to pay the cost of doing business and got ahead of the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, and Atlanta Falcons for the pick of the quarterback litter.
However, the compensation was eye-watering and included a fan favorite for good measure.
- No. 9 overall (2023)
- No. 61 overall (2023)
- First-round pick (2024)
- Second-round pick (2025)
- D.J. Moore
While this has caused heated debate among the fans, Carolina achieved their main objective of the offseason. And in acting before others, they now have the best possible chance of finally finding a worthy successor to Cam Newton.
Carolina Panthers better be right
General manager Scott Fitterer hasn’t hidden his desire to draft and develop a quarterback. This was ignored by previous head coach Matt Rhule, who had the final say on personnel decisions and became stubborn beyond measure in pursuit of getting his own way.
This severely held the Carolina Panthers back through suspect free-agent signings and failed trades for veterans down on their luck. Something Fitterer altered at the first possible opportunity with the boldest move imaginable to get to the front of the 2023 NFL Draft queue.
It’s the first part. But the Panthers have to be right in whatever signal-caller they choose to become their new face of the franchise.
And make no mistake, Fitterer knows this better than anybody.
"“You gotta be aggressive. If you have a guy you have conviction on, go get him. You don’t wanna be reckless. But you wanna look to see what’s been done in the past, and if you have to give up some assets to go get him. I hope we’re not picking in the top 10 again, so it’s gonna be a lot more if you’re in 22 or something else at that point. This might be a year to do some things like that.”"
One suspects it will probably be between C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young. But for the Panthers to make this move, they must have a general consensus about who their guy is.
And it must be correct.
Carolina Panthers giving nothing away
Even though the Carolina Panthers are going to take a quarterback, influential figures within the organization were giving absolutely nothing away when discussing which prospect could come into the fold.
Frank Reich’s comments via Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated dictated as much. The head coach kept the cards close to his chest, refusing to rule out any of the top four quarterbacks at this juncture before further evaluations take place.
"“Excited about this group of young QBs. We think they all have strengths that make them unique and worthy of #1 pick. We have a little over a month to confirm which is the right one for our team.”"
Looking at all available options is the correct move. Not giving too much away early in the process makes things more difficult for those behind them, with panic now setting in for the others in the top 10 looking for their own franchise prospect under center.
The Panthers are in a fantastic position for any rookie quarterback. Reich, Jim Caldwell, Josh McCown, and Thomas Brown represent exceptional coaches capable of nurturing talent effectively, which made this move all the more intriguing despite Carolina giving up their best pass-catching weapon along the way.
Wide receivers are much easier to find than elite quarterbacks. Something that forced the Panthers’ hand as they jumped the queue.
Carolina Panthers move forward without their best weapon
It didn’t take a genius to figure out that the Chicago Bears were looking for a player to go along with substantial draft compensation. Ryan Poles’ intent to get something sorted before free agency was the clearest sign a proven performer would be included, which turned out to be wide receiver D.J. Moore when the jaw-dropping news was confirmed.
Moore has done an incredible job since being drafted. Despite not having any stability at the quarterback position, the former first-round pick has three 1,000-yard receiving seasons under his belt and will now become Justin Fields’ primary target heading into Year 3 of the quarterback’s professional career.
This was not an easy decision for the Panthers, according to multiple reports. Moore is their best pass-catching weapon by a considerable margin and Carolina must address the wide receiver position as a matter of supreme urgency in free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft.
Perhaps even a trade for someone like DeAndre Hopkins, too.
As stated previously, finding capable wide receivers is much easier than landing a franchise quarterback. If Moore was the necessary sacrifice for a team that’s been starved of good play from their signal-caller since Cam Newton left, so be it.
Moore is going to thrive in Chicago, one suspects. But if the Panthers get themselves a long-term quarterback capable of leading them into playoff contention, it’s a small price to pay.