We’re now close enough to the 2023 NFL draft where the all the smoke could actually lead us to the fire. So, let’s follow it in our latest set of projections for the Carolina Panthers.
Here—inspired by some recent rumors, reports and speculation—is our seventh mock draft of the offseason.
Pick No. 1 (First round): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
The tide has now rolled in favor of Young, who is currently the clear odds-on favorite to get his name called first on April 27. He, over the past week, has made firm believers out of the game’s top insiders—including ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen, NBC Sports’ Peter King and NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein.
And if Young is indeed the pick, Carolina is getting the most pro-ready playmaker this class has to offer. Even with his less-than-ideal 5-foot-10, 204-frame—the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner is a poised processor who has the potential to be the efficient distributor offensive coordinator Thomas Brown and the Panthers are looking for.
Pick No. 39 (Second round): BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
Ojulari got himself a top-30 visit from the Panthers, who could use some more pass-rushing prowess off the edge. The 6-foot-2, 248-pounder would fit as an outside linebacker in the team’s new 3-4 base scheme and give the unit a worthy partner for Pro Bowler Brian Burns.
Pick No. 93 (Third round): Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
The Panthers had a formal meeting with Williams back at the combine in Indianapolis, where the Harrisburg, N.C. native stayed in his civilians due to the ongoing recovery from an ACL tear. But if the physical and athletic corner is healthy, Carolina would have themselves—at the least—some promising and solid depth at what’s currently a pretty soft position.
Pick No. 114 (Fourth round): Chandler Zavala, G, North Carolina State
The Panthers locked Zavala for a local visit. With starting guards Austin Corbett and Brady Christensen both rehabbing long-term injuries, the offense can’t have enough protection for the incoming No. 1 pick.
Pick No. 132 (Fourth round): Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati
Carolina has not been connected to Scott, at least not yet. They could, though, use a pair of burners to help open up the offense—which is something the speedy track star will specialize in at the next level.
Pick No. 145 (Fifth round): Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State
While we’re opening up the offense, the Panthers get a big thing in a small package. The 5-foot-5, 179-pound Vaughn is a gifted pass catcher out of the backfield and could serve as a versatile complement to free-agent addition Miles Sanders.
(Plus, are we really going to pass up the chance to pair Deuce with Duce?)
