Most of the attention surrounding the Carolina Panthers’ 2023 draft class will, of course, find its way to No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young. But general manager Scott Fitterer and company found some solid value in a pair of later selections—fourth-round guard Chandler Zavala and fifth-round safety Jammie Robinson.
Zavala, who’s the likelier of the two to snag a starting role, is particularly interesting given the team’s possible void on the interior of their offensive trench. With right guard Austin Corbett set to miss some time to begin the campaign, the 6-foot-5, 322-pounder could figure into Carolina’s plans.
His connection with former NC State teammate Ikem Ekwonu may also give him a bit of an edge. Perhaps a combo of the Wolfpackers on the left side, with Brady Christensen shifting over to the right, may be an enticing prospect for the Panthers.
Robinson, on the other hand, probably won’t sniff out a featured role right away. That, though, doesn’t mean he won’t see the field as a rookie.
The 5-foot-11, 191-pound back is a versatile defensive weapon who can provide depth at both safety and nickel. And if Jeremy Chinn really is moved closer to the line of scrimmage at times, Robinson could get some burn in the secondary and potentially flash in this Ejiro Evero defense.
Projections:
Zavala
- Sacks allowed: three
- Penalties: five
Robinson
- Interceptions: two
- Passes defensed: four
