The Carolina Panthers have the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, and they will surely be targeting a quarterback prospect. The Panthers are in this position after the Bears traded the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to them in exchange for a compensation package that includes two first-round picks and receiver D.J. Moore.
All of this was to acquire a coveted draft selection to be used on a franchise quarterback of the future in Carolina.
The only question that remains is which QB will they go with.
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen said on “SportsCenter” Wednesday that he expects the Panthers to select former Alabama star Bryce Young at No. 1. Mortensen agreed with colleague Adam Schefter, who recently compared Carolina’s situation to when the San Francisco 49ers traded up to No. 3 in the draft two years ago to take Trey Lance.
“Bryce Young is the pick. … They all love Bryce Young,” Mortensen said. “I think I’ll quote Adam Schefter, who said this reminds him of when the 49ers moved up all the way to No. 3 with intentions of drafting Mac Jones and then changed their minds at the last minute and drafted Trey Lance. That has not worked out for the 49ers. I think the Panthers were on Bryce Young from the start and will stick with him when it’s time to turn in that card.”
It should be noted that Todd McShay and Mel Kiper, ESPN’s top draft analysts, have predicted that the Panthers will take CJ Stroud.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
It seems pretty clear Carolina moved up to No. 1 to get one of those QBs. The team drafted Matt Corral in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but he missed the entire year with an injury.
Most mock drafts have the Panthers’ 2023 draft picks starting with C.J. Stroud from Ohio State. Bryce Young could sneak ahead of him after his fantastic career at Alabama. New head coach Frank Reich will likely have a rookie starting the 2023 season under center.
C.J. Stroud threw for 3,688 yards and 41 touchdowns for the Buckeyes in 2022.
In 2022, Bryce Young threw for 3,328 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions, adding 4 scores as a rusher.
The Panthers have a total of six selections in the 2023 NFL Draft, including the No. 1 pick. They don’t have a pick in the sixth or seventh round of the draft.
