With this year’s Senior Bowl now all wrapped up, we’re starting to gain some real momentum into the annual announcing of names. So, let’s get cracking on our mock draft series, shall we?
Here is our first full 2023 mock for the Carolina Panthers.
Pick No. 9 (First round): Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
If the Panthers stay with the ninth overall pick, Richardson feels like the most realistic option at this moment in time.
New head coach Frank Reich and general manager Scott Fitterer are likely looking for a potent, big-bodied, big-armed prospect to put under center—and no quarterback in this class has the talent, tools and upside this 6-foot-4, 232-pound dynamo does.
Pick No. 39 (Second round): Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
Reich will also be looking for gadget guy to line up from the slot—à la Parris Campbell from Indianapolis days.
The highly productive Downs could be a fine complement to wideouts DJ Moore and Terrace Marshall Jr. in that role—as his sharp route-running ability, strong hands and superb speed would help him thrive in this offense’s mesh concepts.
Pick No. 61 (Second round): Tuli Tuipulotu, DE, USC
Since the Panthers haven’t seen a big enough leap from Yetur Gross-Matos and can’t have guys like Philadelphia’s Haason Reddick, they’ll need to find themselves a disruptive edge defender to pair with Brian Burns.
For that, we look to Tuipulotu—whose refinement as a pass rusher, strength and versatility can make him a weapon all over Carolina’s front seven.
Pick No. 93 (Third round): Gervon Dexter Sr., DT, Florida
With starting defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis hitting free agency, the Panthers may also need a partner for Derrick Brown in 2023.
Dexter Sr., at 6-foot-5 and almost 320 pounds, has the frame and athleticism to serve as an effective 3-technique next to the big man.
Pick No. 114 (Fourth round): Zach Evans, RB, Ole Miss
Speaking of free agency, starting running back D’Onta Foreman is set to hit the open market as well.
And although he seems like a solid bet to return, Evans—one of the biggest home-run hitters in this class—is too intriguing and too good to pass up.
Pick No. 132 (Fourth round): Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
At 6-foot-4 and 204 pounds, Brents fits the profile of those Seattle-style defensive backs Fitterer and assistant general manager Dan Morgan are accustomed to.
The Kansas State product, additionally, shined a bit in Mobile this past week—showing off some impressive anticipation and fluidity in one-on-ones.
Pick No. 147 (Fifth round): Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati
Although Ian Thomas should serve well as a blocker in Reich’s system, it’s about time the Panthers get themselves a tight end who can produce in the passing game.
The 6-foot-6 Whyle has reeled in 15 touchdowns for Cincinnati over the past three seasons.
