The Carolina Panthers could shock the NFL world by trading away the first pick in the 2023 draft after trading a huge haul to acquire it with the Chicago Bears.
The Panthers sent their two first-round picks, and a second round selection along with DJ Moore to jump up to the top pick in the class, with the Bears moving down to the ninth pick.
Many had assumed that the Panthers had made the trade to select their quarterback of choice, with the team in need of a new signal-caller in a draft class featuring four prospects who many believe are worthy of the top pick.
The Panthers are reportedly looking to select CJ Stroud in the draft, NFL reporter Joe Person has stated, but they might be able to do so while trading away the first overall pick.
A number of teams had held interest in the top pick, and the Panthers have made it clear that they could look to trade out of the number one spot, if the right offer comes in.
Local Carolina writers, Scott Fowler and Person, tweeted very similar messages, indicating that they are fans of all four of the quarterbacks, which many believe to be from the team as they look to field offers for the number one pick.
A team who could look to move up to the #1 spot is the Indianapolis Colts in a move that would make sense for both teams.
The Colts have the number four pick at present, with a trade meaning that they'd be able to select their top quarterback out of Stroud, Bryce Young, Will Levis and Anthony Richardson.
But with the Panthers reportedly being interested in all of the quarterbacks, they would ensure themselves that they'd be able to select one, even if they traded to the fourth overall selection.
Other teams who could make a move to jump into the top five, are the Las Vegas Raiders and Washington Commanders, who are both looking to bring in a new quarterback this off-season.
