Norris Thornburg

Prime Cuts with Norris: The Carolina Panthers 2023 Mock Draft

Prime Cuts with Norris

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:

 

 

2023 College Prospect Visit List

College Prospect Visits, NFL Draft, Prime Cuts with Norris

-Norris4MR

Draft season is upon us once again! Carolina has pick nine in the first (for now) and all signs point to a quarterback this year. They’ll likely have to move up into the top three if they want to snag one.  Other needs are defensive end, linebacker, corner, safety and tight end. The Panthers currently have two second round picks and a third, but that could change any time before April 27th. Scott Fitterer has been known to make a lot of draft day trades, so it remains to be seen where Carolina actually picks. Last year, the list of visits were very telling on how Carolina was leaning in the draft. It was reported that the Panthers met with 6+ quarterbacks and 6+ offensive tackles. On day one of the combine this year, Carolina met with six quarterbacks. Let’s get this 2023 show on the road!
**UPDATE** Carolina has traded up to number one! They gave up picks 9, 61, 2024 first, 2025 second and WR DJ Moore. Now the Panthers get their QB and control the draft board. They also need a WR1.

Here is a list of college prospects with whom we’ve met. With help from the  @4ourmanrush crew as well as @DraftMassta (Twitter), we find any and all reported college prospect visits by our Carolina Panthers. We will add more as we get more info. **UPDATE** Top 30 visits and local visits are at the bottom of the page. 

**If the name is blue, it means there’s a Draft Network or 4 Man Rush draft profile linked to the player, if available. Click on the link to learn about the players**

QUARTERBACKS

• Bryce Young – Alabama

6’0  195 lbs

• CJ Stroud – Ohio State

6’3  215 lbs

• Anthony Richardson – Florida

6’4  231 lbs

• Will Levis – Kentucky

6’3  222 lbs

• Hendon Hooker – Tennessee

6’4  220 lbs

• Max Duggan – TCU

6’2  201 lbs

RUNNING BACKS

• Zach Charbonnet – UCLA

6’1  220 lbs

• Holton Ahlers – East Carolina

6’3  230 lbs

• Jahleel McLaughlin – Youngstown State

5’7  187 lbs

• Zach Evans – Mississippi State

6’0  215 lbs

• Kendre Miller – TCU

6’0  218 lbs

WIDE RECEIVERS

• Jacory Rankin – Mississippi Valley State

5’9  181 lbs

• Jalen Hyatt – Tennessee

6’0  175 lbs

• Grant Dubose – Charlotte

6’1  201 lbs

• Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Ohio State

6’0  198 lbs

• Jonathan Mingo – Mississippi State

6’2  225 lbs

• Charlie Jones – Purdue

6’0  180 lbs

• Xavier Gipson – Stephen F. Austin

5’9  170 lbs

TIGHT ENDS

• Daniel Barker – Michigan

6’4  250 lbs

•  Sam LaPorta – Iowa

6’4  249 lbs

•  Darnell Washington – Georgia

6’7  265lbs

OFFENSIVE TACKLES

• Jaelyn Duncan – Maryland

6’6  315 lbs


GUARDS

• Anthony Bradford – LSU

6’4  332 lbs

• Nick Saldiveri – Old Dominion

6’6  307 lbs

• Chandler Zavala – NC State

6’5  325 lbs


CENTERS

 

DEFENSIVE ENDS

• Andrew Farmer – Lane

6’4  260 lbs

• BJ Ojulari– LSU

6’3  244 lbs

• Derick Hall – Auburn

6’3  251 lbs

DEFENSIVE TACKLES

• Jalen Carter – Georgia

6’3  310 lbs

LINEBACKERS

• Trenton Simpson – Clemson

6’3  240 lbs

• Dorian Williams – Tulane

6’1  220 lbs

• Drew Sanders – Arkansas

6’5  232 lbs

• Jack Campbell – Iowa

6’5  245 lbs

• Bumper Pool – Arkansas

6’2  232 lbs

• Daiyan Henley – Washington State

6’2  232 lbs

• Byron Young – Tennessee

6’3  243 lbs


CORNERS

• Julius Brents – Kansas State

6’4  204 lbs

• Garrett Williams – Syracuse

6’0  190 lbs

• Joey Porter – Penn State

6’2  194 lbs

• Darius Rush – South Carolina

6’2  200lbs

SAFETIES

 

KICKERS

 

PUNTERS

 

TOP 30/LOCAL VISITS

1. OL Anthony Bradford
2. QB CJ Stroud
3. QB Bryce Young
4. QB Will Levis
5. WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
6. RB Zach Evans
7. LB Bumper Pool
8. DE BJ Ojulari
9. OL Nick Saldiveri (Local) 
10. CB Joey Porter
11. OL Chandler Zavala (Local)
12. WR Charlie Jones
13. QB Anthony Richardson
14. WR Jonathan Mingo
15. DE Derick Hall (Virtual)
16. WR Xavier Gipson
17. OL Steve Avila
18. WR Derius Davis
19. CB Julius Brents
20. CB Darius Rush (Local)
21. LB Daiyan Henley
22. TE Darnell Washington
23. TE Sam LaPorta
24. OT Jaelyn Duncan
25. OLB Byron Young
26. RB Kendre Miller

2022 College Prospect Visit List

College Prospect Visits, NFL Draft, Prime Cuts with Norris

It’s draft season! The Panthers are drafting at pick six in the first, with no picks on day two. This could change, as we all know Scott Fitterer doesn’t mind trading back in the draft. Last year, Scott made five draft day trades to move around and get his guys. All signs point to either a left tackle or quarterback in the first, but who knows what will happen. This is definitely a make-or-break draft for head coach Matt Rhule.

Here is a list of college prospects with whom we’ve met. With help from the  @4ourmanrush crew, we find any and all reported college prospect visits by our Carolina Panthers. We will add more as we get more info.

**If the name is blue, it means there’s a Draft Network or 4 Man Rush draft profiles linked to the player, if available. Click on the link to learn about the players**

QUARTERBACKS

• Malik Willis – Liberty

6’0  225 lbs

• Kenny Pickett – Pittsburgh

6’3  220 lbs

• Matt Corral – Ole Miss

6’2  212 lbs

• Desmond Ridder – Cincinnati

6’4  216 lbs

• Sam Howell – North Carolina

6’1  220 lbs

• Bailey Zappe – Western Kentucky

6’1  215 lbs

RUNNING BACKS

• Isaiah Spiller – Texas A&M

6’1  215 lbs

• Tyrion Davis-Price

6’1  232 lbs

• Jerome Ford – Cincinnati

5’11  220 lbs

• Brian Robinson Jr. – Alabama

6’1  226 lbs

 

WIDE RECEIVERS

• Jaquarii Roberson – Wake Forest

6’1  182 lbs

• Treylon Burks – Arkansas

6’2  225 lbs

• Velus Jones – Tennessee

6’0  190 lbs

• Corey Sutton – Appalachian State

6’0  206 lbs

• Garrett Wilson – Ohio State

6’0  183 lbs

 

TIGHT ENDS

 

OFFENSIVE TACKLES

• Jean Delance – Florida

6’5  296 lbs

• Ikem Ekwonu – NC State

6’4  310 lbs

• Rasheed Walker – Penn State

6’6  304 lbs

• Evan Neal – Alabama

6’7  337 lbs

• Charles Cross – Mississippi State

6’5  305 lbs

• Logan Bruss – Wisconsin

6’5  316 lbs

 


GUARDS

• Cole Strange – Tennessee

6’6  307 lbs

 

CENTERS

 

DEFENSIVE ENDS

• Travon Walker – Georgia

6’5  272 lbs

• Amare Barno – Virginia Tech

6’5  245 lbs

DEFENSIVE TACKLES

 

LINEBACKERS

• Chad Muma – Wyoming

6’3  237 lbs

CORNERS

• Tariq Woolen – Texas-San Antonio

6’4  205 lbs

• Marcus Jones – Houston

5’8  174 lbs

• Jonathan Alexander – UNC Charlotte

6’3  212 lbs

• Samuel Womack – Toledo

5’10  187 lbs

SAFETIES

 

KICKERS

 

PUNTERS

(Too Early) 4 Man Mocks – Norris

4 Man Mocks, Prime Cuts with Norris

By: Norris Thornburg

There’s still four weeks left in the season, but the Panthers’ chances of making a playoff run are pretty much over. So, what do we do when the season is over? Mock drafts. Mock drafts as far as the eyes can see. After all, the only thing we have to look forward to now is the offseason.

This is the first of many mocks that The 4 Man Rush will do over the next few months. Keep in mind that this is far too early to be an accurate mock. Rankings will change, some players will stay for their senior year and players will rise and fall after the Combine.

NFLMockDraftDatabase.com is the site used for this particular mock draft. If I had to guess, Carolina will probably be in the top six by the end of the season. They’re currently projected to pick eighth, so that’s where we will be drafting here. Granted, I’m betting Fitterer will be trading back some to recover some day two picks that were lost to trades this year. With all that said, let’s get started, shall we?

ROUND ONE

PICK 8

*TRADE*
Carolina trades pick 8 and a 2023 3rd rounder to Minnesota for picks 12, 43 and 183.

PICK 12

*TRADE*
Carolina trades picks 12 and 149 to Pittsburgh for picks 15 and 79

PICK 15

IKEM EKWONU NC STATE

OT 6’4 320 lbs

The way to fix one of the biggest issues that Carolina has, is to draft a dominant left tackle in the first round. Ekwonu fits the bill. He’s everything that an NFL team looks for in a left tackle and would be a day one starter. Ekwonu is one of the most powerful linemen in this draft and creates movement upfront in the run game. He has good length and lateral mobility and is really good in pass protection. Ekwonu is extremely competitive and has a high football IQ. This would be the smart pick here.

ROUND TWO

*TRADE* (insert DJ Khaled “Another One” gif here)
Carolina trades pick 43 to Denver for picks 56 and 88

PICK 56

THAYER MUNFORD OHIO STATE

OG 6’6 325 lbs

I know Matt Rhule think Christensen is more of a guard and they also have Deonte Brown waiting in the wings. However, Munford was just too good to pass up here. Like Ekwonu, Munford would be an immediate starter. He was a four star recruit coming out of high school. Munford is powerful, agile and has all the things that NFL teams look for in a guard. Guard is another position that has been a question mark this year. Solidifying one of the guard spots is a must in this draft.

ROUND 3

PICK 79

ALEC LINDSTROM BOSTON COLLEGE

OC 6’3 298 lbs

Matt Paradis has likely played his last game with Carolina, as his contract expires this offseason. He is 32 years old and has struggled some over the last couple years, so it’s not likely that Carolina re-signs him. Enter Alec Lindstrom. He may have to sit behind Elflein for one season, but he’s a future starter at center. Lindstrom has notable strength with a finisher’s mentality. He comes from a football pedigree, as his father was a Hall of Fame lineman at Boston University and his brother plays for the Atlanta Falcons. Lindstrom was the best pick here and will help solidify the offensive line.

PICK 88

CHAD MUMA WYOMING

LB 6’3 242 lbs

It’s no secret that Jermaine Carter has been a mixed bag at middle linebacker this year. Muma would likely come in and be a starter on day one on this defense. He is really good in the run game due to his instincts. Muma doesn’t miss tackles and is really good in the open field. He’s good in coverage and can keep up with running backs. He has good awareness and soft hands. A true three-down linebacker. This kid will be difference maker on any defense. In his senior year at Wyoming, Muma amassed 129 tackles (7.5 for a loss), 1 sack, 3 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery and 2 defensive touchdowns. He was also a finalist for the Dick Butkus award and named an All-American.

*TRADE*
Arizona trades pick 96 to Carolina for picks 104 and 183

PICK 96

ISAIAH LIKELY COASTAL CAROLINA

TE 6’4 240 lbs

This pick isn’t to take Tommy Tremble out of the equation. It’s to give our quarterback another weapon. Likely is a force at the tight end position. He’s physical, athletic and is a mismatch nightmare for defenders. Likely can stretch the field and make big plays consistently. Has the speed to get away from linebackers and has a good catch radius. He would be a valuable piece in an offense that needs all the help they can get.

ROUND 4

NO PICKS DUE TO TRADE

ROUND 5

PICK 143

CHRISTIAN WATSON NORTH DAKOTA STATE

WR 6’4 208 lbs

Carolina gets a Watson in the offseason, just not the one that fans want. Watson is an explosive deep threat and red zone target, which is something that Carolina needs badly. Consistently hit 22 miles per hour on his routes during his 2019 campaign. Last season, Watson had 39 catches for 739 yards (18.9 yards per catch) and 7 touchdowns. He also ran the ball 13 times for 120 yards and a touchdown. This would be an underrated pick for Carolina in the fifth round.

ROUND 6

PICK 188

QUENTIN LAKE UCLA

S 6’1 205 lbs

This late in the draft, the team is just looking for depth. Lake has the NFL pedigree in his blood. His father is Carnell Lake, former NFL Pro Bowl Safety and member of the 1990’s All-Decade team. Last season, Lake amassed 53 tackles (2 for loss), 6 passes defensed and 3 interceptions. Lake will make contributions on special teams in 2022.

ROUND 7

PICK 246

JUSTIN SHAFFER GEORGIA

OG 6’4 330 lbs

Every team needs backup offensive linemen. So, why not get a guard from one of the best college programs? Shaffer is a strong blocker with violent hands that will open running lanes. He could be a diamond in the rough with proper coaching.

It remains to be seen what Scott Fitterer will do in the upcoming draft, but it’s safe to say he will do some wheeling and dealing. Some people might ask why there was no quarterback selected early. Well, the Panthers need to build this offense from the inside out. You don’t want to put a rookie quarterback behind Carolina’s current offensive line. Not to mention, Kenny Pickett and Matt Coral will likely be gone for Carolina picks. Would you be satisfied with this draft? Let us know!

Norris’ 4 Man Mock Draft

4 Man Mocks, NFL Draft, Prime Cuts with Norris

By: Norris Thornburg

It’s almost here! We are less than a week away from the 2021 NFL Draft! The rumors and speculation will end and fans will see who the long-awaited picks will be. Will Carolina take Fields if he drops? Do they take Patrick Surtain Jr. to solidify the secondary? Will they trade picks? We will find out on Thursday!

It wouldn’t be draft season without a 4 Man Mock Draft write-up. This mock draft is a combination of several mocks I’ve done on a couple different mock draft engines. Anyone that knows me personally would tell you that I’m somewhat addicted to mock drafts, so there’s definitely been a ton of research put into this. Without further ado, let’s dive into the draft.

ROUND ONE

PICK 8

OT Penei Sewell – Oregon

I’m sure many are wondering what happened for Sewell to fall to eight.

1. Jags – Lawrence

2. Jets – Wilson

3. 49ers – Lance (or Jones)

4. Falcons – Pitts

5. Bengals – Chase

6. Dolphins – Smith

7. *Broncos – Fields

*Detroit was always the wild card in this scenario with the seventh pick. No one knew if they were going to take a receiver or a tackle. In this scenario they trade to nine with Denver and the Broncos take Justin Fields.

Sewell has been considered a generational talent at left tackle, even after opting out of the 2020 season. He’s quick off the line, has excellent hand placement on every play and has a very high football IQ. Sewell plays with good balance, has good pass protection and is a mauler in the run game. He’s one of the most competitive players in this draft and would anchor the left side for ten years, which is something Carolina hasn’t had since Jordan Gross retired.

Sewell isn’t the consensus number one tackle in this class, as it has been widely reported by several media outlets that a lot of teams have Slater at the top. I’m not sure Carolina is one of those teams but they could be. However, taking Sewell would give them position flexibility as well. Sewell can move to guard later in his career if needed, which sounds like something Matt Rhule may covet. Sewell’s Relative Athletic Score was 9.08 (out of a possible 10), which is considered ELITE. One thing is for sure….Getting a generational left tackle at eight is something every fan should get behind.

ROUND TWO

PICK 39

CB Eric Stokes – Georgia

There’s no denying that Carolina needs another starting corner in their secondary and Stokes would be a great fit. He has the length that teams covet at corner. Stokes is good in man coverage and he’s even better in zone coverage. He’s a willing tackler that will get the job done, even against the run. Stokes is a very smart player that never gets lost on the field. He wowed scouts at his pro day when he ran a 4.25 40 yard dash, so he has the speed that the team wants. His Relative Athletic Score was 9.99 (out of a possible 10), so he’s definitely the type of athlete Matt Rhule likes. This would be the perfect player to get in the second round that will make an immediate impact.

ROUND THREE

PICK 73

C Josh Meyers – Ohio State

Carolina goes back to the offensive line and drafts the Ohio State center. Matt Paradis has one more year on his contract and will turn 32 years old in October, so Carolina could get his replacement at pick 73. Meyers has good anchor, solid hand placement and has good lateral mobility. Playing Meyers at guard could work if it’s just for a year, which is what they’ll likely do here.

**TRADE**

*Panthers trade pick 113 and a 2023 third rounder to the Cleveland Browns for pick 89.*

ROUND THREE

PICK 89

G Trey Smith – Tennessee

Carolina continues to build the offensive line. Smith is one of best guards in this draft, but has slid a bit due to health concerns. Carolina decided he was worth trading up for so they could solidify the line. Smith is really good in pass sets and he mauls players in the run game. He’s powerful at the point of attack and always has good hand placement. Smith understands all blocking concepts and has a high football IQ. He has position flexibility, as he’s played left tackle at the college level. Smith’s Relative Athletic Score was 9.8, which is ELITE. His measurables and metrics make Smith one of the best players in the draft. Bringing Smith in the play right guard will make Fitterer look like a genius and it will solidify the right guard spot for years to come.

ROUND FIVE

PICK 151

S Caden Sterns – Texas

The Panthers could use a safety that has good upside to start in the near future. Enter Caden Sterns. Sterns has played multiple positions in the secondary and be understands the assignments of each. He’s a hard-hitting safety that won’t be a liability in the run game. Sterns is fairly opportunistic in regards to takeaways and should get his fair share at the next level. His Relative Athletic Score is 9.6,  which is considered elite. His 4.41 40 yard dash time, 2.47 20 yard split, 1.5 10 yard split, 4.13 shuttle and 42 inch vertical had something to do with that. He could be the starting free safety this year and also has high upside on special teams.

ROUND SIX

PICK 193

CB Avery Williams – Boise State

The Panthers came into this draft needing a return specialist and a corner or two. Williams would fill both needs at once. He ran a 4.43 40 yard dash and ran a 2.57 on the 20 yard split. He’s only 5’8, so he will probably only be at corner for sub-packages but he holds tremendous value as a returner. He had nine return touchdowns in his college career (three kickoff, six punt). As a corner, he has sufficient ball skills, does well in zone coverage and understands situational football. Williams anticipates routes and is a willing tackler against the run. His RAS is 7.76, but that’s because his measurements brought his score down significantly. Carolina has met with his during the pre-draft process, so there is interest. Getting a day one contributor on special teams would be a win for Carolina this late in the draft.

ROUND SIX

PICK 222

WR Jacob Harris – University of Central Florida

It’s no secret that Carolina struggled in the red zone last year. Taking a 6’5 receiver with a 40.5″ vertical jump would help take care of that issue. Harris would also come to the Panthers with terrific speed for his size. He ran a 4.39 40 yard dash at his pro day (Carolina brass was in attendance), which raised a lot of eyebrows. So much so, that Carolina held a Zoom call with Harris recently. Harris is also really explosive, as he posted an 11′ 1″ broad jump at his pro day. On his RAS he posted a 9.96, which is considered ELITE. His pro day numbers and measurements were outstanding. He’s a little raw, but the potential to break out is there. Harris would be a solid pick here and would contribute fairly early with his skill set. Edit: It’s worth noting that Harris can play tight end as well.


This would be a significant haul for a Carolina team looking to fill the roster with athletes who will contribute. Some names you’ve seen before and some names you’re seeing for the first time. Getting a left tackle, corner, center, guard, safety, returner and a dynamic receiver/tight end would be best case scenario. Let me know what you think, Panther fans!

What Could Carolina Do in Round One of the Draft?

NFL Draft, Prime Cuts with Norris

By: Norris Thornburg

Prior to a couple of weeks ago, it was almost a foregone conclusion that Carolina would take a quarterback in this year’s draft. Then on a Monday in early April, the Panthers traded for the Jets’ starting quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold has the potential to be a solid starting quarterback for the Panthers and he’s only 23 years old.

There are also question marks at left tackle, corner, guard, defensive tackle and even safety for the Panthers. Carolina’s had a very good offseason and filled the holes, but they could still upgrade these positions if a player presents themselves in the draft. Let’s have a refresher of these acquisitions:

LT Cam Erving
G/C Pat Elflein
TE Dan Arnold
WR David Moore
LB Denzel Perryman
EDGE Haason Reddick
DL Morgan Fox
LB Frankie Luvu
CB Rashaan Melvin
CB AJ Bouye
RB Darius Clark
QB Sam Darnold
DT DaQuan Jones

That’s a pretty good offseason for a team that had a lot of missing pieces. They’ll look to upgrade left tackle, corner, guard and maybe defensive tackle in this draft. Carolina picks at number 8 in a very important draft and there are a lot of good players from which to choose. So, what are the options Carolina could have in the first round?

LT Penei Sewell

This would be the perfect scenario for Carolina. Sewell has been mocked all over the top eight in the draft, so it’s uncertain whether he will be there for Carolina to pick. If he is, Fitterer needs to run to the podium himself and announce the pick. Sewell is considered a generational talent at left tackle, a position that has been a turnstile since Jordan Gross retired. Sewell has a very high football IQ and plays with outstanding power at the point of attack. He has good hand strength and can move defensive players effortlessly. Sewell would be a home run pick for Carolina.

CB Patrick Surtain Jr

If Sewell isn’t there at eight, the Panthers should look to solidify another position of need. Carolina has struggled in coverage since the departure of James Bradberry, so they need another shut-down corner in the near future. Surtain has football in his blood, as he is the son of three-time Pro Bowler Patrick Surtain Sr. He’s the best corner in the draft and would make Thieves Ave. relevant again. This could be the route they go, as left tackle is really deep this year. Getting Surtain in the first and a dominant left tackle in the second round would be a win.

LT Rashawn Slater

While Surtain would be a stud, Carolina could still elect to snag a left tackle in the first instead. Slater should be there and would be a solid pick for the Panthers. Some scouts are worried about Slater’s arm length (33″) and think he should move inside to guard. However, he will be able to play left tackle at a high level. The standard for arm size for left tackles is 34 inches or longer, but you don’t have to look far to find tackles that have had success with shorter arms. Carolina’s own Jordan Gross measured in at 33 1/4 inches and had a long and dominating career at left tackle. Slater is powerful, agile and smart. In 2019, he held his own against Chase Young, who was the second overall pick in 2020 and also rookie of the year. There isn’t much of a drop off between Sewell and Slater and he should be a Pro Bowl left tackle for a long time. Side note: There are whispers that Carolina may like Slater more than Sewell.

TE Kyle Pitts

Carolina could elect to get the best all-around player in the draft at pick eight. There’s no denying that Pitts would make this offense even more dynamic and give Sam Darnold another weapon. Rhule and Fitterer really like Pitts (I mean, who doesn’t?) and could draft him and get a left tackle later in this deep draft. While Pitts is listed as a tight end, he can line up as a receiver too. He has elite hands and has mastered the ability to grab any pass thrown his way, even if the ball is poorly thrown. Pitts can get yards after the catch similar to DJ Moore, he has a high football IQ and is just an all-around good guy. Like Sewell, Pitts is considered a generational talent and would be one of the faces of the franchise for years. Which is why it’s very doubtful that Pitts is there at eight. But if he is….

QB Justin Fields

One of the main takeaways from free agency is that Fitterer filled the roster with solid pieces at every position of need. Carolina can go into this draft with the ability to take the best player available, regardless of position. That could very well be Ohio State phenom Justin Fields. Fields could go anywhere between pick 3 and pick 15, depending on who you ask. There’s no doubt Fields would be the quarterback of the future, even with the Sam Darnold trade. There is some intrigue for Carolina, as there should be. Getting Fields could get Carolina the quarterback of the future, and they could still build the offensive line on day two.

WR Jaylen Waddle

Even with the loss of Curtis Samuel, wide receiver isn’t really a need for the Panthers. With that being said, Carolina could elect to take Jaylen Waddle, who is probably the most balanced and talented receiver in this draft. Waddle can play any receiver position on the field. He has the ability to gain separation quickly and has soft hands to catch anything thrown his way. The only reason Waddle may fall to pick eight is because of his injury last season, which shouldn’t be an issue any longer. Getting another weapon for Darnold could elevate this offense to another level, as long as they’re able to solidify the offensive line with some of the next six picks. Side note: Robby Anderson is going into his last year under contract and DJ Moore only has two more years, provided the Panthers pick up his 5th year option. Taking a wide receiver is a very real possibility, depending on who’s there at eight.

Trade-back

With new general manager Scott Fitterer at the helm, the team will be in every deal and will have every option available to them. Trading back in the draft and gaining more draft capital is something that is absolutely on the table for Carolina. If player they love isn’t there at eight, Fitterer could elect to trade back a few picks and gain extra picks, depending on what is offered. If Carolina was offered an additional second or third round pick to move back 5-8 spots, it would probably be hard for Fitterer to say no. Especially given the fact he came from Seattle, who traded back quite a bit.

In recent years, it’s been fairly easy to pinpoint who Carolina was going to take in the draft. This year it’s a little harder, as there’s a new general manager and there’s a lot of good players in the first round. Also, there’s been little information about players that have met with the Panthers virtually. The Carolina staff did benefit from coaching in the Senior Bowl, so that helped the scouting process immensely. No matter what the Panthers decide to do in this draft, they’re going to get a great player in the first round. With any luck, they’ll knock this draft out of the park, just like they did last year. It certainly helps to have all of these options at their disposal.