by: Norris
We are about a month away from the 2023 NFL draft where the Carolina Panthers hold the number one pick. The fan base is currently at odds on who they want Carolina to choose between Alabama’s Bryce Young and Ohio State’s CJ Stroud.
Both sides have compelling arguments as to why the Panthers need to choose one over the other. Young did more with less talented receivers, while Stroud is taller with one of the prettiest deep balls anyone has ever seen. Fans have watched Carolina take both Stroud and Young (and Will Levis) to dinner the night before their pro-days. They’ve heard Josh McCown, Carolina’s QB Coach, tell Stroud that they will find a basketball court to play a game of H-O-R-S-E when he comes to Charlotte. At this point, it’s anyone’s guess on who the Panthers will ultimately take at one.
Pick 39 is also a debate amongst Panther’s fans due to the team having multiple needs. Some fans want a wide receiver taken at 39 because there isn’t a true WR1 on the roster. Some would rather have another outside linebacker or defensive end. Others would prefer a cornerback.
No matter what happens in the draft, this has been a fun offseason for Carolina Panthers’ fans. Yes, they lost DJ Moore in a trade, but they have gained:
• Adam Theilen
• DJ Chark
• Hayden Hurst
• Miles Sanders
• Shy Tuttle
• Andy Dalton
• DeShawn Williams
• Vonn Bell
• Justin McCray
• Bradley Bozeman (re-signed)
They also assembled the best coaching staff that money can buy, thanks to David Tepper. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention our GM Scott Fitterer and VP of Football Administration Samir Suleiman. Those guys are rock stars.
Without further ado, here is the mock draft 1.0 from Norris: