Which prospects should the Carolina Panthers consider bringing into the organization on the third and final day of the 2023 NFL Draft?
We are now rapidly approaching the final day of selecting college players from the 2023 NFL Draft. It's been a mixed bag for the Carolina Panthers so far, with their franchise quarterback secured in Bryce Young and some intriguing gambles on Day 2 that also included a third-round trade.
After giving up another selection for the chance to draft athletic edge rusher D.J. Johnson, the Panthers have just two picks over the final four rounds. However, this is something general manager Scott Fitterer might look to rectify with a move down the order if the right offer comes along.
There are some eye-catching names left looking for their opportunity at the next level. Carolina still has a couple of glaring needs, so it'll be interesting to see how they navigate the process in a few short hours.
With this in mind, here are ten prospects the Panthers must consider drafting on Day 3.
Prospect No. 1
Carolina Panthers could draft Adetomiwa Adebawore
- Defensive Line | Northwestern Wildcats
Once considered a potential second-round pick, it's surprising to see Adetomiwa Adebawore still on the board considering his upside. The defensive lineman is incredibly raw - there's no getting away from that - but the Carolina Panthers normally bet on high-end physical traits at this stage of the draft and could do so again.
Adebawore has some technical flaws to work out. However, his explosiveness and raw strength could be a major asset to the defensive line rotation once he puts everything together.
Carolina Panthers could draft Kelee Ringo
- Cornerback | Georgia Bulldogs
Once considered one of the top cornerbacks in college football, Kelee Ringo still finds himself on the outside looking in on Day 3. This is a significant need for the Carolina Panthers, who cannot justify going into the new campaign with so many questions surrounding the team's current options.
Ringo endured a down year in 2022 despite the Georgia Bulldogs winning another national championship. The physical tools are there, it's more a case of concentration and on-field awareness that might be putting people off.
Carolina Panthers could draft Chandler Zavala
- Offensive Line | North Carolina State Wolfpack
If the Panthers want to bolster their offensive line depth on Day 3, then they could do far worse than bring Chandler Zavala into the fold. The North Carolina State product is a former teammate of Ikem Ekwonu's and boasts the same brute force that enables him to be extremely impactful on running downs.
There are some technical kinks to work out in pass protection, but Zavala has the intangibles to compete for playing time right away with a smooth transition.
Carolina Panthers could draft Roschon Johnson
- Running Back | Texas Longhorns
If the Panthers want to add another running back late in the process, it might be a shock to see Roschon Johnson available. The one-time Texas star is a dual-threat weapon that could thrive in a multi-purpose role that also includes returning kicks thanks to his outstanding elusiveness.
Johnson went under the radar behind Bijan Robinson on the Longhorns. However, he was highly thought of by coaches and comes into the NFL on the back of an exceptional assessment process.
Carolina Panthers could draft Will Mallory
- Tight End | Miami Hurricanes
The Carolina Panthers have ignored the temptation to select a tight end so far. That might change on Day 3 and there's a lot to like about the athletic traits Will Mallory brings to the table.
Mallory isn't the most flashy, but he's sharp out of his cuts, boasts soft hands, and can create separation quickly. Something the Panthers have lacked from their tight ends since Greg Olsen was allowed to depart for the Seattle Seahawks in 2020 free agency.
Carolina Panthers could draft Henry To'oTo'o
- Linebacker | Alabama Crimson Tide
One of the most surprising fallers after being highly touted before the 2022 campaign is linebacker Henry To'oTo'o. The one-time Alabama star is a supreme on-field organizer and leader within the locker room, but there was just something missing last season and this obviously hasn't gone unnoticed by NFL scouts.
There wouldn't be a great deal of pressure for To'oTo'o to provide an immediate contribution given Carolina's options at the defensive second level. This could allow the prospect to develop at his own pace, learn from coaches and veterans, and gradually establish himself before more involvement.
Carolina Panthers could draft Jammie Robinson
- Safety | Florida State Seminoles
If the Panthers decide to strengthen versatility across their secondary, then Jammie Robinson fits the bill. The Florida State product plays fast and physically with ruthless aggression to boot, which is in keeping with how Ejiro Evero deploys his 3-4 creative scheme that features up to six defensive backs depending on the situation.
Robinson's testing might be putting some teams off from taking the plunge. But he's vastly experienced, can operate in multiple positions, and is never overawed by the big occasion.
Carolina Panthers could draft Jaylon Jones
- Cornerback | Texas A&M Aggies
As stated previously, the Carolina Panthers are crying out for cornerback help. This remains the team's biggest priority above all else and should be addressed soon after Day 3 begins at No. 114 overall.
Jaylon Jones has the size, length, and athleticism to potentially make his presence felt immediately. The former Texas A&M standout isn't the quickest by any stretch, but he is a strong tackler, anticipates routes well, and has the agility to needed to make an impact in contested catch situations.
Carolina Panthers could draft JL Skinner
- Safety | Boise State Broncos
The more productive defensive backs that Ejiro Evero can utilize, the better. J.L. Skinner has impressed during the evaluation stage and could be worth taking after dropping out of the first three rounds.
Skinner is a well-rounded safety that has enough fluidity to assist as a slot cornerback if needed. He leaves his mark from a tackling aspect and was a true enforcer on the field during his time at Boise State. One for the shortlist.
Carolina Panthers could draft Jalen Redmond
- Defensive Tackle | Oklahoma Sooners
The Panthers might want to improve depth options on their defensive front with one of their final two selections. Jalen Redmond has the sort of high motor and pass-rushing prowess that could be useful that is matched by eye-popping closing burst for a man his size.
Redmond looks like an ideal fit for Carolina's 3-4 base as a defensive end. Adding some gap discipline against the run will be important during his initial transition from college to the pros, but the Panthers would have a lot to work with in this scenario.