After a week of eye-opening week of practices, some of this year’s NFL draft prospects are ready to get it going in the 2023 Senior Bowl. So, who should the Carolina Panthers and their fans keep an eye on this afternoon?
Here are four players to take note of for Saturday and beyond.
Will McDonald IV, Edge, Iowa State
One of the biggest needs for the Panthers going into the offseason is defensive line depth—and perhaps even a starter opposite of Pro Bowler Brian Burns. This draft is loaded with edge talent, and a player who has shown up big this week at the Senior Bowl is this potent 6-foot-3, 236-pounder.
McDonald, by all accounts, has been one of the top players of the week—dominating each practice day and showing out in one-on-ones versus some of the most talented and experienced offensive lineman in college football. His four years of starting experience, combined with his unique athleticism, has put him over the top this week—showing off an excellent speed to bend rush around the edge.
Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane
To be blunt, the Panthers will likely never replace a player like Christian McCaffrey. But they may be able to replicate some of that production with a mixture of backs that complement each other well.
And Spears, who could be a good fit in the backfield if the bruiser in D’Onta Foreman re-signs, could be a part of it.
Spears has flashed, as he was named the Practice Player-of-Week in a vote by NFL executives and scouts. He dominated the competition this year at Tulane, coming away with a 6.9 yards per carry and scoring 21 total touchdowns.
The 5-foot-10, 195-pounder works well as both a pure runner and a pass catcher, and may be able to become an Austin Ekeler-type of player with time. Given his versatility and production, though, he may warrant a relatively high investment somewhere in the second round.
Keion White, Edge, Georgia Tech
One of the best players going into the Senior Bowl, White was already a fringe first-round pick. Throughout the week, White has been steady and improved with each day, particularly in one-on-ones.
The game itself will be an opportunity for White to completely show out—and if he does, he may move himself out of range for the Panthers in the second round. He could, though, be a trade-down option in the first round if Carolina eventually opts for that route.
Malik Cunningham, QB, Louisville
Speaking of quarterbacks, the most intriguing one in Mobile has been Louisville’s Cunningham—who possesses the most dynamic skill set in attendance. With multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons, he has proved to be a true lethal combination of athletic prowess as both a passer and a runner.
While he will not be an early-round investment, a big game at the Senior Bowl could show he has enough developmental tools for Carolina to take a chance on day two.
