Which Carolina Panthers news stories are making a splash as the team heads into the business end of their 2023 NFL Draft assessments?
We are rapidly approaching he endgame regarding all the speculation, opinions, and rumors about the Carolina Panthers and their choice from atop the 2023 NFL Draft. The pendulum continues to swing one specific way, but it's been a tiresome process and one that cannot come to an end soon enough.
Among the stories making headlines recently include an intriguing linebacker visit, Greg Olsen continues to thrive away from the gridiron, the possibility of trading away the chance to draft Bryce Young, and Anthony Richardson remaining a wildcard that shouldn't be overlooked.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Carolina Panthers set to host intriguing LB
The Carolina Panthers are busy discovering more about certain prospects of interest ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. While rumors swirl about which quarterback will be their pick at No. 1 overall, those in power are also turning attention to other positional groups further down the pecking order.
According to multiple reports, the Panthers are set to host Daiyan Henley on a top-30 visit in the coming days. The linebacker might be a little undersized, but his exceptional ability in coverage is something that should mesh well within Ejiro Evero's new 3-4 base defense in 2023.
Henley could be a possibility at No. 39 overall depending on how the draft board plays out. But the need for an edge rusher or a productive cornerback is arguably greater than solidifying the defensive second-level.
Former Carolina Panthers TE continues to thrive
It's been heartwarming to see Greg Olsen thrive after retirement. While the Carolina Panthers are searching for anything like the same tight end production three seasons after he left for the Seattle Seahawks, the beloved figure has become one of the most respected NFL analysts in the business.
Olsen has surged up the ranks quickly with FOX Sports. After just one season, he was named as their lead analyst after Joe Buck and Troy Aikman left for ESPN, providing masterful storytelling and comprehensive analysis that made it easy for fans to understand.
This hasn't gone unnoticed by the Emmy Awards. Olsen was shortlisted in the Outstanding Personality/Emerging On-Air Talent category in recognition of his exceptional transition from the gridiron to the booth.
Others up for the same accolade are Andraya Carter, Robert Griffin III, Eli Manning, and J.J. Reddick. This is nothing more than Olsen deserves and every Panthers fan will be hoping he can come away with the coveted award on the big night.
Despite Olsen's flourishing reputation, his time at FOX Sports' top table is in some doubt. The broadcast company signed Tom Brady to a whopping deal to become their lead kingpin, which is set to start in 2024 and could see an undeserved demotion coming the Pro Bowler's way after the upcoming campaign.
Carolina Panthers unlikely to trade out of Bryce Young chance
Almost every respected analyst is now projecting Bryce Young will be the Carolina Panthers' pick at No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. There's been a substantial momentum shift over the last fortnight, which now has the Alabama product as the clear favorite ahead of C.J. Stroud, who's become a relative afterthought at an important stage of the process.
Nothing is set in stone yet, obviously. But at this point, it would be a major surprise if NFL commissioner Roger Goodell didn't announce Young's name first from atop the draft.
While there are some obvious concerns that cannot be overlooked, Carolina didn't make this trade to be cautious. With high risk comes high reward and this is a tremendous spot for Young looking at the roster and the Panthers' exceptional coaching staff.
When discussing the possibility of whether the Panthers would trade themselves out of Young by striking a deal with the Houston Texans at No. 2 overall, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated highlighted the logistical complications of such a move, even if it's something general manager Scott Fitterer might like to do.
"I really think the Panthers see something pretty special in Young, just based on some things I’ve heard. I think they also know even if someone came up to get Stroud, they’d then lose Young to Houston. So my sense would be that even though Carolina GM Scott Fitterer liked the idea of trading back again to pick up some extra capital, the logistics of the situation won’t allow for it."Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated
The Texans reportedly love Young and might not take a quarterback at all if he's not available. That, in itself, tells its own story.
Carolina Panthers still considering Anthony Richardson
While the chatter is primarily centered on Bryce Young, and rightfully so, there are still some who believe the Carolina Panthers might end up shocking the NFL world by selecting Anthony Ricardson at No. 1 overall. A move that would send the fanbase into shambles on social media along the way.
Richardson has his flaws and might not be a Day 1 starter, but the upside is potentially generational if he puts everything together. And according to Joe Person of The Athletic, he remains under consideration by the Panthers according to sources close to the discussions.
Person added that this is more realistic in a trade-down scenario. Something that Albert Breer thought was illogical as smoke and mirrors season reaches peak time.
"The Florida quarterback with the Cam Newton-like physique remains under consideration by the Panthers, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Though Richardson and Will Levis have been viewed widely as throwaways when it comes to the Panthers’ plans, Richardson is still in the mix. Before anyone bangs out an all-caps “SMOKESCREEN!” comment below, I’ll reiterate that while the Panthers’ interest in Richardson seems real, my sense is he would be a better fit in a trade-back scenario. But he’s in the conversation."Joe Person, The Athletic
For most fans, they'll be glad when it's all over. The constant stream of rumors, false narratives, and everything in between has been nothing short of exhausting, so all this fuss better be worth it as the Panthers look to get themselves back into contention.
While Richardson would be shocking, the influential figures within the organization have earned a level of trust this offseason until proven otherwise. Even if you might not like it.