Which prospects should the Carolina Panthers seriously consider bringing into the fold during Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft?
No surprises emerged where the Carolina Panthers were concerned during Day 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Those in power had seven weeks to make up their mind after landing the No. 1 overall selection, which did end up being quarterback Bryce Young to officially end the speculation.
Young was always Carolina's guy and confirmed their suspicions throughout the evaluation process. General manager Scott Fitterer also avoided the temptation of trading back into the first round despite making calls regarding the possibility.
Maybe the price was too steep given the capital already sacrificed to ensure Young came into the fold. Or maybe, those in power were confident that a few individuals high on their board would be waiting for them on Friday evening.
With this in mind, here are five prospects the Panthers must consider on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Prospect No. 1
Carolina Panthers must consider B.J. Ojulari
- Edge Rusher | LSU Tigers
Now that the Carolina Panthers have their franchise quarterback, the next port of call in terms of priorities might be finding a productive edge rusher to put opposite Brian Burns. There was a late run on pass-rushers to limit options, although one or two immediately jump out on Day 2 if those in power hold firm at No. 39.
B.J. Ojulari is in this particular category. The former LSU star is explosive, can bend around the edge with ease, and is a powerful presence against the run - making him a decent fit within Ejiro Evero's creative 3-4 base scheme.
Much will depend on what happens before Carolina goes on the clock. But Ojulari will be on the shortlist after meeting with the Panthers during their pre-draft assessments.
Carolina Panthers must consider Joey Porter Jr.
- Cornerback | Penn State Nittany Lions
Perhaps one of the biggest shocks aside from Will Levis falling out of the first round was the slide involving Joey Porter Jr. The talented cornerback was seen as a sure-fire pick on Day 1, with some analysts even projecting him to be a top-10 selection in their mock drafts.
Porter shouldn't have much longer to wait before finding his NFL home. And as it turns out, the Carolina Panthers did bring in the Penn State product for a top-30 visit to find out more about what he could potentially bring to the franchise.
When this news was revealed, many wondered why the Panthers picked Porter given where he was expected to land. However, this process might pay off in a big way given how things are currently unfolding.
If the Panthers have the opportunity to pick Porter at No. 39, they should not hesitate. There is an obvious need at edge rusher and Bryce Young needs more weapons in the passing game, but slotting the defensive back opposite Jaycee Horn gives Carolina a lockdown tandem capable of great things.
Porter is physical, thrives in press coverage, and leaves his mark against the run. His fine footballing bloodline comes across with positional intelligence and the prospect is never afraid of the big occasion to boot.
Just why Porter fell out of the first round is anyone's guess. But others' loss could be Carolina's gain if the stars align this evening.
Carolina Panthers must consider Michael Mayer
Another relatively surprising element to Day 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft was the lack of tight end picks in the first round. This was widely projected as the deepest class in recent memory, but only Dalton Kincaid made it into the top 31 picks after the Buffalo Bills surged ahead of the Dallas Cowboys to secure his services.
Expect a run on the position early on Day 2. Michael Mayer will be among the first and it was a huge shock to see arguably the most complete tight end in this draft class fall out of the first round.
Mayer might not be the flashiest in terms of explosiveness, but he does everything at a high level. He is a smooth route-runner, can get open quickly across the middle, is an effective blocker, and is also a red-zone threat to further enhance his chances at the next level.
The Carolina Panthers now have their franchise quarterback in Bryce Young. They did acquire Hayden Hurst in free agency - so other needs might take priority - but it's a tempting proposition if Mayer is there for the taking at No. 39 overall.
This would give the Panthers another outstanding weapon in the passing game and a security blanket for Young when things aren't developing as expected downfield on any given down. The former Notre Dame standout will also be coming in with a huge chip on his shoulder given recent developments.
Carolina Panthers must consider Keion White
- Edge Rusher | Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
As stated previously, the Carolina Panthers are crying out for another edge rusher to put up significant numbers opposite Brian Burns in 2023. There are some intriguing names still available in free agency, but general manager Scott Fitterer stated this is something they'll examine heavily during the 2023 NFL Draft once their new quarterback was secured.
Looking at the options potentially there for the taking on Day 2, Keion White is among the best. He is a complete physical specimen with the athleticism to match, which is exactly the type of player Fitterer normally covets on defense if Carolina's previous two drafts under his guidance are any indication.
White is a little raw after transferring from a tight end in college, but the upside is there for all to see. He gets off the block exceptionally quickly, has the length needed to create separation from oncoming blockers, and boasts the straight-line speed to reach the contact point in no time at all for good measure.
The former Georgia Tech sensation improved his gap discipline tremendously last season - something that is reflected in his 14 tackles for loss. White possesses a lethal spin move and there is maximum effort on almost every play thanks to his outstanding motor.
Once White refines his pass-rushing repertoire and gains more experience, it's hard to envisage a situation where the pass-rusher fails to make an NFL impression. Whether the Panthers deem this a risk worth taking is another matter.
Carolina Panthers must consider Jonathan Mingo
- Wide Receiver | Ole Miss Rebels
After what seemed like an eternity following their trade to No. 1 overall, the Carolina Panthers made Bryce Young their franchise quarterback. Someone that boasts the intangibles needed to finally provide the organization with a worthy successor to Cam Newton.
What's important for the Panthers is giving their new rookie everything needed to make an instant impact. This was done impressively throughout their coaching search and free agency, but picking up one or two additional playmakers via the team's remaining five selections should come under consideration.
It looked for a long time as if there could be a bounty of wide receivers available on Day 2. However, a significant run on the position late in the first round restricted this possibility for those in power.
With that being said, someone like Jonathan Mingo could offer something a little different from what Carolina already has. The team brought in the one-time Ole Miss stud for a top-30 visit during the evaluations and is the latest in a long line of Rebels pass-catchers being slept on by evaluators.
Perhaps Mingo's biggest strength centers on balance. He is a fluid mover with enough poise to make contested catches look easy, which is matched by an outstanding ability to locate the football, take it in stride, and make big gains after the catch.
There are some slight health concerns and the player's route tree must evolve. But this makes a ton of sense for Carolina at No. 39 overall or via a trade-down depending on what unfolds in front of them.