With the first round of the NFL Draft in the books, the rebuilding Carolina Panthers look poised to take another step forward in 2023. What are Carolina’s biggest team needs in these final two days, and which targets might be most appealing for an NFC South squad in contention for a division title where a 9-8 record might be sufficient?
Carolina Panthers Team Needs Following Round 1
- EDGE
- WR
The Panthers hold six picks in this year’s NFL Draft. A few weeks ago, they made waves by delivering a package of draft picks — as well as star receiver DJ Moore — to the Chicago Bears in exchange for this year’s top pick.
It was a bold move to control their destiny at the start of the draft, and the Panthers capitalized by taking the presumed No. 1 quarterback coming out of college, Bryce Young. For the first time since selecting Cam Newton No. 1 a dozen years ago — the last time they had the first overall pick — Carolina has a franchise-elevating QB to build around.
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Elsewhere on the roster, Brian Burns is one of the best natural pass rushers in the NFL, but we’re all still waiting for his pass-rushing counterpart, Yetur Gross-Matos, to elevate his game. Carolina lacks depth on the edge and could add some veteran help to quench their thirst in the meantime.
Moore’s departure makes Carolina’s WR need all that more evident. Adam Thielen and DJ Chark help, but the team lacks a true WR1. Pairing Young with a high-flying rookie receiver would be a win-win-win for the rookie wideout, his rookie quarterback, and for this organization as a whole.
Results for Panthers 2023 NFL Draft Picks
We used PFN’s FREE Mock Draft Simulator to project some realistic targets for Carolina at each of the team’s draft positions. Here’s a breakdown of the Round 1 results, as well as the simulator’s remaining projections.
Round 1, Pick 1: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Bryce Young’s collegiate career included 13,250 passing yards, 152 passing touchdowns, and only 21 interceptions on a near-70% completion rate. He also ran for 1,084 yards and 26 rushing scores. Although his reported size (5’10”) raised important questions, considering how few sub-six-foot quarterbacks have thrived in the modern NFL, Young’s expected to serve as the Panthers’ franchise QB for years to come.
Predictions for Remaining Draft Picks
Round 2, Pick 38: Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin
An NFL-ready center with the size and athleticism to help anchor this offensive line for years. Joe Tippmann would be a logical pickup for a Carolina team hell-bent on maximizing the longevity of its rookie franchise QB.
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Round 3, Pick 92: Zach Evans, RB, Mississippi
Given this squad’s varied needs, one might not think drafting a running back in Round 3 makes sense. But Zach Evans profiles as a certifiable NFL starter. The former five-star recruit possesses superb acceleration, speed, and balance. He could be an ideal complement to an improving passing game.
Round 4, Pick 113: Cameron Latu, TE, Alabama
It’s been a while since Carolina’s had an impactful pass-catching tight end. Pairing Cameron Latu with his Alabama quarterback would be a strong play.
Round 4, Pick 131: Ricky Stromberg, C, Arkansas
Another center? Well, not just any center. This year, Ricky Stromberg won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the SEC’s top offensive lineman. Stromberg also played guard in 11 games as a freshman. If his versatility can be applied at the NFL level, the Panthers would have two strong, young OL pieces.
Round 5, Pick 144: Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma
Another lineman. Wanya Morris makes sense, as Carolina assuredly will want to give their rookie QB as many advantages as possible out of the gate.