The Carolina Panthers were one of the busiest teams in free agency, and this mock draft reflects their aggressive attitude to team building. After trading up for the first-overall pick, the team only has six picks in the 2023 draft, so they’ll need to make each selection count.
Note that this exercise was performed using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator. If the player was on the board when the Panthers were on the clock, they were fair game.
Seven-Round Carolina Panthers Mock Draft
First Overall: CJ Stroud, QB
The Panthers kick off this mock draft with the obvious choice. Bryce Young and Anthony Richardson have higher ceilings, but CJ Stroud is most likely to develop into a franchise quarterback. While one could argue the merits of shooting for the stars at the game’s most important position, you can’t blame the organization for wanting a sure thing under center after the past few seasons.
CJ Stroud Pro Day 2023🅾️⭐️ pic.twitter.com/xrbeEr79Mb
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) March 29, 2023
39th Overall: Zay Flowers, WR
If Zay Flowers is still on the board when the Panthers are on the clock, then they’ll have no choice but to pull the trigger. This is the perfect marriage of talent and need, as Flowers could very well end up being the best receiver in the class when all is said and done. The Boston College product is a great route runner with explosive abilities after the catch, and he should be a great fit with Stroud. Adam Thielen and DJ Chark are fine band-aids for the position, but neither guy is a long-term answer under center.
93rd Overall: Luke Schoonmaker, TE
The Panthers tight end position has been a nightmare for years now, and this mock draft tries to address that weakness with Luke Schoonamker. Like all tight ends, Schoonmaker probably won’t be ready to start right out of the gate, but he should be able to play situationally as a run blocker and a safety outlet in the passing game. If he adds more strength and learns how to fight through contested situations, he has the potential to be a solid starter.
114th Overall: DeMarvion Overshown, LB
DeMarvion Overshown is a linebacker in name only, and the thin-framed Senior out of Texas plays more like a safety. In today’s pass-heavy NFL, that’s a compliment. Overshown is competent enough against the run to not be an active liability, and his plus ability in coverage makes him an ideal player in sub-packages.
132nd Overall: Bryce Ford-Wheaton, WR
The Panthers already added Zay Flowers in this mock draft, but it can’t hurt to add some more talent to the position. Bryce Ford-Wheaton is a big, physical receiver that has the talent to step in and be a red zone receiving threat on Day 1. Additionally, he has some untapped athleticism that, with the right coaching, could turn him into a late-round steal.
145th Overall: Braeden Daniels, OG
There is no such thing as too many good offensive linemen, and Braeden Daniels has the versatility to play either guard or tackle in a pinch. The Utah product needs to add some more muscle and improve his footwork if he ever wants to start in the league, but he has the attitude and athleticism to develop into a reliable backup and emergency starter at multiple positions.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
