NFL Draft Recap: Carolina Panthers: 2023 NFL Draft Outlook

The Carolina Panthers made a splash in the 2023 NFL Draft. They believed their next franchise quarterback was available and wanted to ensure they would get him.

But aside from drafting their next play-caller, the Panthers didn’t do much during the draft.

They had four selections left after the first overall selection. However, they made the most of those picks by addressing various roster holes.

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Carolina Panthers 2023 NFL Draft class

• Round 1, 1^st overall – Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
• Round 2, 39^th overall – Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss
• Round 3, 80^th overall – D.J. Johnson, OLB, Oregon
• Round 4, 114^th overall – Chandler Zavala, OG, NC State
• Round 5, 145^th overall – Jammie Robinson, S, Florida State

Panthers taking a shot at Bryce Young

There is much criticism on whether the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner will have success in the NFL. He doesn’t have the height of the prototypical NFL quarterback, and concerns about his frame exist. Will he be able to withstand strong hits from edge rushers and linebackers? Can he continue playing at a high level after accumulating hits?

At his best, Young has impeccable football wisdom in dissecting the game. He has tremendous focus during pressure-packed situations and can manipulate defenders with his vision. Young also has steady accuracy and enough mobility to avoid the rush.

He has tremendous pressure because the Panthers traded up to get him. An entire fanbase also hopes he will succeed because they do not have a backup plan. Andy Dalton can only do so much, and Matt Corral hasn’t panned out. The Panthers are in good hands if Young succeeds.

A Sprinkle of Something All Over the Roster

They drafted players for the offensive line, receiving corps, linebacking unit, and defensive secondary.  That’s covering many bases with only a few picks. But Mingo had 247 yards in a single game for Ole Miss. They can switch Johnson to tight end if needed, but they will likely keep him at linebacker. Zavala is a physical blocker who can help Young and Miles Sanders. Robinson led Florida State with 85 tackles in 2021.

Carolina Panthers 2023 NFL Draft grade

The Panthers get a B for this draft class. That grade can go up if Young turns out to be Carolina’s next franchise quarterback. Otherwise, it could be an utter failure if he doesn’t live up to the hype.

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