Carolina Panthers chiefs were spotted delivering a sly message to potential No.1 NFL draft pick CJ Stroud despite reportedly already deciding on University of Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson, who left them “enamoured” by his physical ability.
The Panthers are the owners of the No.1 pick and are on a tour of pro days to decide who they’ll bring on board in next month’s NFL draft. Ohio State star Stroud is high on the Panthers’ watch list, and so the franchise sent a huge contingent to Columbus to watch the quarterback, including owners Dave and Nicole Tepper. Thomas Brown, Frank Reich, Josh McCown and Jim Caldwell were also in attendance.
Stroud could be seen greeting his admirers and engaging in friendly chat after being the star of the well-attended show at Ohio State’s annual pro day on Wednesday. McCown was also caught on camera hinting to Stroud that the Panthers would select him first, saying: "when you live in Charlotte we’ll find a court," - indicating the team had made their decision.
Stroud met with a number of top Panthers figures having had dinner with the Teppers, Reich, Scott Fitterer and others on Tuesday, where Stroud says he got to know his potential bosses. Stroud completed 44-of-51 throws, with two dropped passes and five incompletions — all of which came on throws to his left.
However, despite watching Stroud in the flesh, according to long-time Panthers legend, linebacker-turned-analyst Thomas Davis, the franchise are leaning towards University of Florida star Richardson, who they’re set to watch later this month on March 30.
Davis said on NFL Total Access: “I think it’s going to be a very, very, very surprising pick in Carolina. But, I mean, I will say this… If this pick happens to be who I think that they’re in love with [Richardson], I’m not a fan of it.”
The Panthers legend continued: “I just know that there are a couple of guys upstairs that are enamoured by the physical ability of Anthony Richardson, and I’ll just say that.” Stroud is not stressed over whether he will be next month’s No1 draft pick. He says it’s not in his control.
Speaking after the workout, Stroud said: “That’s not my job. My job is to go out here and do the best I can as myself. I’m competing against myself every day to be the best version of myself, like coach Day always taught us to do. Whatever happens, happens. It’s not in my control, so there’s no reason to stress.”
The Panthers’ contingent alongside other interested franchises are now headed to Tuscaloosa for the pro day of Bryce Young, whose name is in the mix with Stroud and Richardson, on Thursday.
