Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines as the dust finally settles on a profitable 2023 NFL Draft weekend for the organization?
As the Carolina Panthers get set to turn the page on their 2023 NFL Draft exploits as preparations ramp up for the upcoming campaign, the level of excitement continues to grow. There are more decisions to be made and the possibility of additional free agents joining the ranks, but hopes are relatively high that this roster can flourish in their first campaign under new head coach Frank Reich.
Among the topics causing debate recently include the Panthers picking up Derrick Brown's fifth-year option, Mel Kiper Jr. giving his verdict on Carolina's draft class, Jammie Robinson's chip on his shoulder, and Scott Fitterer losing a potential draft target via trade-up.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Story No. 1
Carolina Panthers make the right call with Derrick Brown
Once the 2023 NFL Draft concluded, the Panthers wasted no time in formally triggering Derrick Brown's fifth-year option. This was an absolute no-brainer considering how well the defensive lineman performed during the previous campaign.
The former first-round pick out of Auburn was a force to be reckoned with last season when many wondered whether Brown would reach the heights expected of a No. 7 overall selection. Carolina rewarded him accordingly and he'll now make $11.66 million in the final year of his deal in 2024.
If Brown makes further strides playing as a 3-4 defensive end under coordinator Ejiro Evero, then the Panthers will no doubt look to tie the player down to a long-term contract extension around this time next year.
Carolina Panthers get passing draft grade
The Carolina Panthers came out of their draft with some decent pieces that solved problem position groups. Those in power also secured their franchise quarterback in Bryce Young and got a dynamic young weapon when they spent the No. 39 overall selection on wide receiver Jonathan Mingo.
ESPN's respected draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. gave the Panthers a B grade for their selections, highlighting that the whole scenario centers on Young and whether their daring trade up to No. 1 overall pays off. Something that will shape the short and long-term future of the franchise.
"Bryce Young, my top-ranked passer in this class, can be a superstar. The 5-foot-10 passer processes the game so quickly and sees things before they happen. I've said before that if he were four inches taller, he'd have a similar grade as some of the best I've ever scouted. The reality is this pick has some risk because we've never seen a pocket passer under 6 feet tall have consistent success at the NFL level. This class is all about Young and what he becomes, but the 2024 first-rounder Carolina gave up looms large over the next year. If Young & Co. struggle, Chicago might have a top-five choice."Mel Kiper Jr. via ESPN
Kiper is right about Young. It was a big call to make - even if it seemed necessary after a constant stream of personnel failings under center - but there's just no telling what repercussions could emerge if this goes wrong.
With that being said, the Panthers have done everything possible to ensure Young gets off on the right foot. However, expecting miracles right out of the gate is unfair despite the immense expectations.
Jammie Robinson's chip can help Carolina Panthers
When the Carolina Panthers selected Jammie Robinson at No. 145 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, it was seen as a high-value selection that can potentially carve out a role for himself right away. And make no mistake, the athletic defensive back is coming into the organization with a huge chip on his shoulder.
The former Florida State standout was far from pleased about falling into the fifth round. When speaking to reporters following Carolina's final pick of the draft, Robinson was clearly upset that he had to wait so long before hearing his name called.
"I’ve been upset about just this whole thing. But I know this pick is gonna be the best pick in the draft. Carolina Panthers, y’all know I’m finna come in, I’m finna compete for a spot. I’m just gonna be a team guy. I know there’s not 144 guys better than me. But, hey, it is what it is."Jammie Robinson via Panthers Wire
This should serve as extra motivation for Robinson once he gets to Carolina. Harnessing the anger and turning it into a positive should be the biggest priority for the player, who is expected to be a core special teams presence while also having some position versatility across the secondary for good measure.
Having former college teammate Jaycee Horn around will smooth the transition - they played together at South Carolina. So there's a high chance Robinson could be an absolute steal when it's all said and done.
Carolina Panthers wanted to trade up for Will McDonald IV
After general manager Scott Fitterer stated before the draft that the Carolina Panthers were making calls about moving back into the first round, this failed to materialize. And according to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer, we might know why.
The beat reporter revealed that the Panthers were high on Will McDonald IV, the Iowa State pass-rusher who was expected to be a late-first, early second-round selection. However, the New York Jets had other ideas and took the edge prospect at No. 15 overall to everyone's surprise.
"Fun draft tidbit: I’ve heard the Panthers were high on Will McDonald, and had he fallen to the late first-round (as many analysts projected) they might have traded up for him in that range. He was a player they really liked."Mike Kaye, The Charlotte Observer
Obviously, teams were much higher on McDonald than most analysts. The Panthers were forced to go in a different direction after he came off the board much sooner than expected, trading up in the third round for D.J. Johnson - a raw edge rusher from Oregon that caused significant debate among fans when the pick was announced.
Based on the team's current options, it might be wise to acquire one of the veteran pass-rushers remaining on the free-agent market. Something that would take the pressure off Johnson and allow him to develop at his own pace before slotting into a starting role.