What late rumors surrounding the Carolina Panthers are causing significant buzz ahead of a landmark 2023 NFL Draft for the franchise?
We are just a few short hours away from the Carolina Panthers landing their future franchise quarterback at No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. It's been a long seven weeks since the trade to move up was confirmed, but the team can start looking forward to a profitable future once Roger Goodell formally kicks off the process a little after 8 p.m.
There's been plenty of excitement among fans. They might have their own personal favorites, but everyone can agree this was the best route for an organization that's been crying out for stability under center since Cam Newton departed in 2020.
Carolina has five other selections to navigate, too. And given Scott Fitterer's history of draft board management, it would be surprising if a trade or two along the way didn't occur.
With that being said, here are three late Panthers rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Draft Rumor No. 1
Potential Carolina Panthers TE target could slip
One prospect that's been linked to the Carolina Panthers is tight end Darnell Washington. The mammoth presence has eye-popping physical traits that could make a serious impact at the next level, but a recent report from Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com indicates he might be a faller due to two primary concerns.
"One high-profile prospect who some teams have flunked medically is Georgia tight end Darnell Washington. Along with the medical, some team sources said there are some minor character concerns. If Washington slides on the second day of the 2023 NFL Draft, the medical and the character will be the reasons why."Charlie Campbell, WalterFootball.com
Washington took a trip to Bank of America Stadium for a top-30 visit during the evaluation process. The Panthers are likely to put him on their shortlist, but whether other needs take priority remains to be seen.
Bryce Young has been Carolina Panthers pick 'for weeks'
Unless there is a swerve of legendary proportions, the Carolina Panthers will be taking Bryce Young at No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. The quarterback has conducted himself superbly throughout his evaluation and arrives with the potential to completely change the team's fortunes immediately.
It's been a thorough series of assessments on the consensus top-four guys, which was expected after giving up so much to the Chicago Bears for this privilege. General manager Scott Fitterer said they needed conviction, but they also needed to be right.
Some significant momentum started building around Young in favor of C.J. Stroud around a fortnight ago. But according to sources speaking with Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, the Panthers have been clear for a number of weeks about which direction they'll go.
"The Panthers will finally reveal their new QB tonight, and sources say their thinking never wavered once they moved to No. 1. Scouts had conviction early in the process. Coaches had no doubt after film study. League sources have believed for weeks it’ll be Bama’s Bryce Young."Tom Pelissero, NFL Network
Frank Reich and Fitterer still haven't confirmed one way or another which way they'll go. There is a consensus between the two influential figures, which also received the full backing of team owner David Tepper when he was informed.
After tonight, the hard work really starts for Young.
Carolina Panthers looking for two first-round picks?
Fans hoping to revel and relax throughout the first night once the Carolina Panthers officially announce the No. 1 overall pick might be out of luck. General manager Scott Fitterer is always looking for ways to manipulate the draft board in his favor, so he won't hesitate to pull the trigger up or down if the front office figure feels like it's the best thing for the franchise.
When speaking to team employee Kristen Balboni prior to the draft, Fitterer revealed that if a certain prospect of interest ends up slipping to a level they feel comfortable with, then trading back into the first round is not out of the realm of possibility. Even if their assets are somewhat restricted after sacrificing a substantial amount to the Chicago Bears.
"We are making calls. We know a group of players where we want to be. There's a group where we want to go up to get a player if we can get there. If not, then we might go back five or six spots because when you make this sort of trade you lose those draft picks."Scott Fitterer via Panthers.com
This would be surprising. However, nothing can be ruled out when one considers how aggressive Fitterer has been throughout his first offseason as Carolina's primary decision-maker without Matt Rhule.
If this also gives Bryce Young another weapon he can develop chemistry with immediately, all the better. But one couldn't dismiss one of the top cornerbacks or edge rushing help in this scenario, either.