How could the Carolina Panthers rank the top quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft based on their recent pro-day showings across the country?
It's been a whirlwind fortnight for the Carolina Panthers as they took in pro days around the United States ahead of the all-important 2023 NFL Draft. And as expected, there was one particular position on their minds.
The Panthers control the draft after surging up to No. 1 overall. It cost a significant amount of compensation and wide receiver D.J. Moore, but this will be inconsequential if Carolina gets its franchise quarterback of the future.
Nothing has yet been ruled out by those in power. Whether the pro days have altered this perception is anyone's guess, but there promise to be some thorough discussions between influential figures in the coming weeks before concluding.
With this in mind, we projected how the Panthers might rank the consensus top-four quarterback prospects after their pro-day exploits.
Quarterback No. 4
Carolina Panthers could draft Will Levis
If one quarterback is falling behind the rest, it's Will Levis. The Kentucky product looks like a work in progress despite some exceptional athletic attributes and there appears to be less fanfare surrounding his chances of being the Carolina Panthers' pick at No. 1 overall compared to others.
Levis will still go in the top 10 unless something drastic occurs in the coming weeks. But it would be nothing short of a bombshell if this was the signal-caller Carolina took atop the draft.
Carolina Panthers could draft Anthony Richardson
This is the feast or famine move normally associated with a daring trade-up. The San Francisco 49ers did something similar with Trey Lance, although it remains to be seen how that'll work out given the player's recent injury problems and the emergence of seventh-round selection Brock Purdy.
Richardson's athletic measurables are absolutely off the charts. His historic performance at the NFL Scouting Combine further enhanced his claims and although it wasn't perfect, there was a lot to like about his pro-day throwing session, too.
If everything comes together for Richardson, he could be generational. Even though he's deemed a work in progress, general manager Scott Fitterer stated that the more reps the player accumulates, the better he'll get - and quickly.
"Obviously, he's got a ton of talent, a lot of upside. The more you play, the better it's going to be, as far as processing and timing. But he's got everything to work with. … He's more than a project; he's a really good player."Scott Fitterer via Panthers.com
To say this is a high-risk selection would be understating things. However, the reward could be better than any signal-caller prospect taking their chances at the next level in 2023.
Carolina Panthers could draft C.J. Stroud
If the decision was up to me, the pick at No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft would be C.J. Stroud. However, this is about what the Carolina Panthers are doing rather than my personal preference.
Stroud is the best pure passer to enter the NFL since Trevor Lawrence. His poise, accuracy, and ability to make every throw with supreme confidence make this a Day 1 starter with potential Pro Bowl upside with a smooth transition to the professional ranks.
Not only does Stroud boast two seasons of exceptional college production at Ohio State, but the signal-caller has ridden the crest of a wave throughout the assessment process. He put on a throwing clinic at the NFL Scouting Combine, which was followed by an exceptional pro day that left Carolina's brass gushing in its immediate aftermath.
The prospect looks like the sort of quarterback Frank Reich normally goes for in terms of height and build. There are very few flaws in his game, so once Stroud starts trusting his legs in the exceptional environment the Panthers have set up specifically for their new rookie, the sky's the limit.
This is a difficult decision for the Panthers and everyone in the thought process will have their favorite. But it's hard to look at Stroud's credentials and not think he couldn't become the franchise quarterback Carolina has been starved of since Cam Newton was their last No. 1 overall selection back in 2011.
Carolina Panthers could draft Bryce Young
While C.J. Stroud is projected by many to be the No. 1 pick, one couldn't rule out any of the top three as rumors continue to circulate. However, turning down the chance to draft a magician like Bryce Young despite the obvious durability concerns is a huge call for those in power to make.
Young is so accomplished, it's hard to pick a place to start. The former Alabama star's processing is already elite, which is matched by supreme pocket manipulation, outstanding arm strength, and the rare ability to use angles creatively when forced to improvise.
Again, we're splitting hairs between Young and C.J. Stroud. So could the pre-pro day dinner with the Carolina Panthers prove to be the deciding factor when push comes to shove?
Given the impression it left on Scott Fitterer, it's a definite possibility.
"He was so well-spoken, so well thought-out. When he talked about his preparation, when he talked about how he studies, how he sees the game, he’s at a different level. He’s already at that NFL level, which is great to see. At 21 years old, if I walked into a restaurant, sat around with a bunch of 40, 50-year-old men, it’d be a little intimidating. Instead, he just sat there and asked us questions. We asked him questions. . . . Just a really, really solid person."Scott Fitterer, via Pro Football Talk
There are two - perhaps even three - right answers atop the 2023 NFL Draft. That's why the Panthers were aggressive in ensuring they had their pick of the litter.
Factoring everything into the equation, Young could be the leader in the clubhouse currently. Even if this is by a minuscule amount in all likelihood.