Which way could the Carolina Panthers go with their 2023 NFL Draft selections with just a few days remaining until the pivotal event begins?
After what seems like an eternity of rumors, speculation, and fierce debates among the fanbase on social media, the 2023 NFL Draft is almost upon us. And the Carolina Panthers will officially kick off proceedings after securing their trade for the No. 1 overall selection.
This is something those in power deemed necessary to get off on the right foot under Frank Reich and his new coaching regime. The Panthers now control their own destiny, which wouldn't have been the case had they stayed at No. 9 overall and let things play out in front of them.
It's a time of great excitement for fans. Carolina is hosting a special draft party at Bank of America Stadium to mark the occasion, which is sure to bring about jubilant scenes when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell formally announces their choice to begin the process.
The Panthers have other needs they must fill after landing their franchise quarterback of the future. Some are more glaring than others, but it's also worth remembering that the team has plenty of salary cap space to make some additional free-agent moves if the opportunities arise.
There is a lot riding on this draft for Carolina. Not since they took Cam Newton at No. 1 in 2011 has media attention like this arrived, which is something the organization has reveled in after striking with conviction to seal a deal with the Chicago Bears.
Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took a look at which way the Panthers might go with their picks in our final seven-round mock draft of the 2023 cycle.
Carolina Panters draft Bryce Young
- Quarterback | Alabama Crimson Tide
- Round No. 1 (Pick No. 1)
Anyone that's read my mock drafts throughout the process knows how high I am on C.J. Stroud. The recent criticism leveled at the quarterback is nothing short of disgraceful considering his production in college and the fact he's undeniably the best pure pocket passer in this year's quarterback draft class.
With that being said, momentum is everything at this stage. Based on what's transpired over the last fortnight, it would be a bombshell of epic proportions if the Carolina Panthers didn't take Bryce Young at No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Young is a phenomenal prospect that could be a true franchise-changer at the quarterback position. I've stated countless times that the Panthers couldn't go wrong with either of the top two guys, with those in power doing everything possible to surround their new rookie with everything they need to hit the ground running this offseason.
The former Alabama star is supremely intelligent, can make every throw, leads by example, and also has that X-factor that teams always covet heavily. There are obvious concerns surrounding Young's slender frame and his arm strength is far from elite, but it's not bothered him so far and the Panthers could insulate him well behind a strong running attack and their formidable offensive line.
This looks like a done deal, in all honesty. Young is an outlier beyond any doubt, but the magic he possesses is worthy of the gamble.
Carolina Panthers draft Emmanuel Forbes
- Cornerback | Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Round No. 2 (Pick No. 39)
When general manager Scott Fitterer listed the draft needs during his recent media availability, it was shocking to hear the general manager not mention the cornerback position. The Carolina Panthers cannot go into the new campaign with their current options - with everyone aside from Jaycee Horn having some major question marks to overcome.
Donte Jackson is working his way back slowly from a torn Achilles, which is concerning. C.J. Henderson is one season away from being cast aside if things don't improve and Keith Taylor Jr. is another that must bounce back after an indifferent campaign in 2022.
This makes finding another potential lockdown presence via the draft for Ejiro Evero extremely important. If Emmanuel Forbes somehow makes it this far down the pecking order, the Panthers shouldn't think twice.
Forbes is the true definition of a ballhawk. He produces turnovers almost at will and has the blazing speed needed to go downfield with any wide receiver for good measure.
The former Mississippi State stud is a little on the light side, but Forbes was a commanding force in the SEC last season and should transition well despite the steep upturn in quality. There could be an issue with tackling on running downs, but the prospect has a frame that can bulk up without losing some of his elite qualities.
Pairing Forbes with Horn gives the Panthers a potentially sensational cornerback tandem long-term. Something that would put less pressure on underperforming players already on the roster, too.
Carolina Panthers trade down from No. 93
General manager Scott Fitterer is known for his wheeling and dealing during the draft. The Carolina Panthers would probably take calls for the No. 39 overall selection depending on who's available, but moving down from No. 93 was the call here.
This gives the Panthers two extra fourth-round picks coupled with a fourth-rounder in 2024 from the New York Giants. Something that would allow those in power to fill another need and have future flexibility after giving up so much to the Chicago Bears.
Carolina Panthers draft Kayshon Boutte
- Wide Receiver | LSU Tigers
- Round No. 4 (Pick No. 114)
Now that the Panthers have their franchise quarterback, adding another weapon or two would be beneficial. Perhaps a tight end could be in play at some stage despite the signing of Hayden Hurst, but the preference is for a high-upside wide receiver who could thrive in Frank Reich and Thomas Brown's scheme.
Kayshon Boutte represents a ton of value at this juncture. While the one-time LSU star never reached the lofty heights anticipated in college, there's a lot to like about his potential at the next level if everything goes according to plan during his initial transition.
Boutee is a crisp route-runner with soft hands. The wideout has enough elusiveness to become a yards-after-the-catch threat, which is matched by the versatility needed to occupy outside or slot positions depending on the fit.
There are some injury concerns surrounding Boutte that cannot be dismissed. The player had his 2021 campaign cut short due to a knee complication that seemed to bother him last season, so everything needs to check out medically for the Panthers to feel confident in this pick.
Carolina Panthers draft Byron Young
- Defensive Line | Tennessee Volunteers
- Round No. 4 (Pick No. 121)
Adding a capable edge rusher to put alongside Brian Burns should be another big priority for the Carolina Panthers before competitive action begins in 2023. However, there are plenty of intriguing free agents still on the market and the franchise has enough salary-cap space to find an immediate difference-maker from the options available.
With that being said, bolstering their options via the 2023 NFL Draft is something else that should occur at some stage. Byron Young is a prospect gaining real momentum at the right time, which could see the Tennessee product go much higher than this when push comes to shove.
When examining Young's capabilities on film, the two things that stand out are versatility and athleticism. The player can operate as a defensive end, as a three-technique on the interior, and also has the frame to perhaps emerge into a 3-4 outside linebacker under the right coaching.
Young has a relentless motor and enough explosiveness to reach the contact point quickly. There is impressive fluidity in his movements off the line of scrimmage and the player is also developing well from a technical standpoint to further enhance his stock.
If there was one knock on Young, it's his age. The prospect is 25 years old and has just two years of starting experience under his belt, which is something that might put some teams off from taking the plunge in favor of younger options emerging from the college ranks.
Carolina Panthers draft DeMarvion Overshown
- Linebacker | Texas Longhorns
- Round No. 4 (Pick No. 128)
Another area that general manager Scott Fitterer highlighted as one in need of improvement is the linebacking corps. In particular, adding some extra speed with a prospect that can play almost anywhere across the second level.
The Carolina Panthers have some decent options already on the books. Franke Luvu, Jeremy Chinn, and Shaq Thomspon could be a prolific trio, with Brian Burns switching to a 3-4 outside linebacker something else that brings a significant amount of intrigue.
If another prospect can be placed alongside Brandon Smith on the rotation, it would help enormously. Someone like DeMarvion Overshown ticks all the boxes and should have no trouble thriving within Ejiro Evero's creative scheme.
Overshown might not boast the prototypical size of an NFL linebacker, but that does not detract from his outstanding skill set. He is explosive rushing the passer, is an instinctive sideline-to-sideline presence against the run, and can also more than holds his own in coverage thanks to his previous experience as a defensive back.
Perhaps adding a little extra muscle mass would serve the former Texas star well upon joining the pros. Overshown also has some work to do regarding discipline in coverage, but his problems are all easily coachable and the Panthers have an elite staff in place to ensure rapid improvements in this particular scenario.
Carolina Panthers draft Roschon Johnson
- Running Back | Texas Longhorns
- Round No. 4 (Pick No. 132)
Even though the Carolina Panthers have a decent running back trio heading into the campaign, that should not put those in power off from adding one more gifted individual from the college ranks if the opportunity arises. There is always value to be had and general manager Scott Fitterer has a solid reputation for finding rough diamonds that become contributors quickly.
This stage of the draft is always a good place to find such prospects. Roschon Johnson fits the mold and offers something a little different from what Carolina already has at its disposal.
Johnson was Bijan Johnson's primary backup at Texas with four seasons worth of decent production. He is a patient running in between the tackles with enough burst to explode off the edge and gain significant yardage, too.
This was backed up by an outstanding Senior Bowl week for Johnson, who represents decent value here and can be the physical presence Carolina lost when D'Onta Foreman left for the Chicago Bears in free agency.
The former Longhorn is a work in progress from a blocking standpoint. However, he is a dual-threat with enough vision to potentially become a productive kick returner - something the Panthers are lacking despite picking up Damiere Byrd late in the free agency period.
Johnson is a low-risk, high-reward option. One that could give Bryce Young another weapon to call upon if he is their guy at No. 1 as expected.
Carolina Panthers draft Chandler Zavala
- Offensive Line | North Carolina State Wolfpack
- Round No. 5 (Pick No. 145)
The Carolina Panthers will be hoping that Brady Christensen and Austin Corbett make complete recoveries in time for the 2023 season. Both starting guards suffered long-term complications in the team's 2022 regular-season finale, so improving depth on the offensive line interior is something else those in power should contemplate at some stage.
Whether he'll be around this late remains to be seen., but Chandler Zavala would be a tough proposition to turn down at this stage of the selection process. The former teammate of Ikem Ekwonu at North Carolina State is fast, physical, and boasts the sort of brute strength normally associated with prospects emanating from the Wolfpack program.
Zavala is a mauler in the run game that can create lanes effortlessly. He also possesses a solid base that makes him a formidable proposition to shift off the block with good hand placement and awareness.
There's also a lot to like about Zavala's agility in pass protection. The lineman can overreach at times, but working alongside arguably the best offensive line coach around - James Campen - would be a fantastic environment for the player to hone his craft.
This draft ignores the tight end position, but the Panthers might feel like they have enough after picking up Hayden Hurst in free agency. It's also worth remembering that multiple prospects will arrive via undrafted free agency in pursuit of roster spots.