Grading every pick from what turned out to be a monumental 2023 NFL Draft process for the Carolina Panthers that began at No. 1 overall.
Every Carolina Panthers fan around the world was hoping for something special during the 2023 NFL Draft. All eyes were on their No. 1 overall selection and which quarterback would be chosen, but those in power also had five other picks at their disposal to further heighten expectations under the new regime next season.
The collaboration, purpose, and professionalism with which the Panthers approached this entire process is a stark contrast to how things were handled when Matt Rhule had too much power. Scott Fitterer and Frank Reich hit it off quickly, with other trusted figures within the organization coming to the fore without one petulant figure standing in their way.
Of course, striking for the top pick and full control of their own destiny was the biggest statement of all. Something that finally landed a worthy successor to Cam Newton at football's most important position.
There seemed to be an extra level of freedom from Fitterer's perspective without Rhule holding him back. The front office figure managed the board masterfully once again, which perhaps takes some pressure off his own job status if Carolina's latest batch of college recruits ends up working out.
The times are indeed changing in Carolina. This shift in ethos couldn't be going much better right out of the gate, but it will count for nothing if results don't improve when it matters most.
With that being said, we examined deeper and graded every Panthers' pick from another dramatic draft process in 2023.
Carolina Panthers drafted Jammie Robinson
- Defensive Back | Florida State Seminoles
- Round No. 5 (Pick No. 145)
One big and overlooked need for the Carolina Panthers heading into the 2023 NFL Draft was across their secondary. This bore more significance at the cornerback position, which has more questions than answers thanks to injury concerns and poor performance ahead of the upcoming campaign.
The Panthers left it relatively late to find assistance in this area. While it was frustrating, Jammie Robinson becoming the pick at No. 145 overall could be a tremendous bit of value from those in power based on his attributes.
Robinson is position versatile, operating as a safety or nickel cornerback with equal efficiency. What the player lacks in top-end speed is compensated by work ethic, good reactions, and the ability to wrap up any oncoming offensive player with controlled violence and outstanding technique.
Leaving Robinson in man situations is asking for trouble and his ball production isn't considered stellar by any stretch. However, this looks like a great scheme fit for defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero's scheme, which will be heavily dependent on defensive backs making an impression.
Draft Grade: B+
Having players such as Vonn Bell, Xavier Woods, and his former college teammate Jaycee Horn around should smooth Robinson's transition. Expect the player to emerge into a key rotational piece and special team contributor immediately.
Carolina Panthers drafted Chandler Zavala
- Offensive Line | North Carolina State Wolfpack
- Round No. 4 (Pick No. 114)
Considering the injuries to Austin Corbett and Brady Christensen coupled with the need to protect franchise quarterback Bryce Young, adding another offensive lineman at some stage was almost guaranteed. As it turned out, the Carolina Panthers managed to land a former teammate of last season's first-round selecton Ikem Ekwonu.
Chandler Zavala has long been a mauler in the running game. He is also supremely intelligent and brought on his pass protection considerably in 2022, which was further reflected during a dominant week at the East-West Shrine Bowl.
The North Carolina State product is far from the finished article, especially from a technical standpoint. However, Zavala has elte-level athletic traits that indicate quick improvements working alongside James Campen in Carolina.
Draft Grade: A
I absolutely loved this pick. One that can not only improve depth on the interior but also potentially become an upgrade at left guard over Christensen if everything goes better than anticipated.
Carolina Panthers drafted D.J. Johnson
- Edge Rusher | Oregon Ducks
- Round No. 3 (Pick No. 80)
Scott Fitterer just couldn't help himself. The general manager made another daring trade - this time up to No. 80 in the third round - for edge rushing help that came with a glowing recommendation from defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.
The pick was a surprise to many. Especially considering where most analysts had D.J. Johnson projected before the selection process began.
Johnson is a six-year college player that transitioned to the edge rushing role at Oregon last season. While he did flash moments of quality, there is a rawness to his skill set that indicate some significant work is ahead for the player and the Panthers' elite coaching staff this offseason.
Carolina is betting on athletic intangibles rather than any prolonged college production in this instance. Johnson is more explosive than most, but there are some issues in terms of gap discipline against the run that need refinement if he wants to become a productive NFL starter.
Technically, Johnson's inexperience shows, which isn't surprising. This is a similar pick to what the Panthers acquired last spring with Amare Barno in the sixth round - although this year's recruit has the body frame more in keeping with an NFL edge presence.
Draft Grade: C-
This grade wasn't so much about the player but rather the Panthers moving up the order to secure his services. Johnson might have been available at No. 93 overall or later, but Evero wanted him badly enough to warrant this choice, which shouldn't go unnoticed.
Carolina Panthers drafted Jonathan Mingo
- Wide Receiver | Ole Miss Rebels
- Round No. 2 (Pick No. 39)
Once the Carolina Panthers landed their franchise quarterback in Bryce Young, surrounding the player with all the tools needed to be successful became the biggest priority. There was an obvious temptation to take an edge rusher or perhaps even a shutdown cornerback, but preference went to another pass-catcher with the potential to become productive.
Jonathan Mingo was a quick riser throughout the evaluation process despite going under the radar in 2022. This is not uncommon for Ole Miss wideouts, with A.J. Brown and D.K. Metcalf enduring a similar lack of recognition before taking the NFL by storm.
Mingo has the ball skills to become a difference-maker. He can position himself anywhere across the line of scrimmage with equal effect and is a significant threat with the football in his hands - something the Panthers need after including D.J. Moore in the trade that landed them the No. 1 overall selection.
The wideout tracks the football well downfield and is aggressive enough to beat opposing defenders to the punch. Mingo is difficult to bring down thanks to his 6-foot-2 frame and the player's hand coordination is another strong element of his game that deserves praise.
Draft Grade: B
Mingo can immerse himself gradually thanks to the presence of Adam Thielen, Terrace Marshall Jr., and D.J. Chark. But it would be a shock if he couldn't make a lasting contribution when targets come his way in 2023.
Carolina Panthers drafted Bryce Young
- Quarterback | Alabama Crimson Tide
- Round No. 1 (Pick No. 1)
What seemed to be a foregone conclusion finally became official when the Carolina Panthers took quarterback Bryce Young at No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. A move that everyone associated with the franchise hopes can propel them back into playoff contention sooner rather than later.
Young separated himself from the pack a few weeks ago according to most national insiders. But in truth, the Panthers probably made their trade with the Chicago Bears on the premise they'd have first refusal on the former Alabama star.
There is a lot to like about Young's credentials, which are vast and run right through from high school to college. But aside from the individual accolades and the Heisman Trophy, it was the player's ability to process information and come through in the clutch that really left the Panthers drooling.
Sure, the player's height and weight could become an issue. But with high risk comes incredible reward if the Panthers do enough to minimize the risks surrounding their new prized possession.
Draft Grade: A
While some fans wanted C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson, or perhaps even Will Levis, it was clear from early on Young was the guy. This is a player with ice in his veins and accuracy at all three levels of the field - something Carolina has lacked from a constant stream of failed trades and free-agent signings since Cam Newton departed the scene.
At long last, it looks like they've found a worthy successor.