Carolina Panthers 2023 Positions Needed & First Round Draft Picks
Following Week 5 of the 2022 season, the Carolina Panthers were 1-4 and fired coach Matt Rhule. Carolina became active on the trade market, shipping wide receiver Robby Anderson and running back Christian McCaffrey. It appeared the Panthers could be entering a full rebuild.
Instead, Carolina kept young pieces, like cornerback Jaycee Horn and defensive end Brian Burns. Interim coach Steve Wilks implemented an imposing run game and the defense improved. The Panthers went 6-6 under Wilks, finishing with a 7-10 record. Plus, they came close to winning the NFC South but lost a vital Week 17 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Carolina proved its current roster is capable of winning. The Panthers will be square in the NFC South hunt with a good off-season. It starts in the 2023 NFL Draft, as Carolina holds the No. 9 overall pick.
Let’s check the most recent NFL picks, statistics, and the top betting insights for the 2023 NFL mock draft. Additionally, we have an abundance of NFL draft odds for your consideration.
2022 Season Record: 7-10
Status of Coach: Steve Wilks – Interviewing for Permanent Job
Positions of Need
- Quarterback
- Wide receiver
- Linebacker
- Tight end
Notable Picks
- Round 1, Pick 9
- Round 2, Pick 39
- Round 2, Pick 60 (from 49ers)
Potential First-Round Targets
Selecting a franchise quarterback is atop Carolina‘s list of needs. Quarterback Sam Darnold returned from injury and played well in the final six games of the season. However, Darnold has gotten his chances and has yet to find consistency. A fresh start with a young, talented QB is the Panthers’ best bet.
The top three quarterbacks of the 2023 class, Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Will Levis, will likely be off of the board by the No. 9 pick. Anthony Richardson would be the next option. The Florida product has all of the intangibles with a powerful arm and elite athleticism. In college, Richardson particularly excelled as a runner with his stout 6-foot-4, 232-pound frame paired with impressive speed. However, his decision-making and accuracy have a long way to go, making him a developmental QB.
There are only a few humans in the world that can make this play and Anthony Richardson is one of them. pic.twitter.com/d8LDXuNQ5U
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) January 6, 2023
Carolina could look to trade up for a more NFL-ready signal-caller, like Young or Stroud. The Chicago Bears could move the No. 1 pick since they are likely targeting a defensive player. Acquiring the top spot would require a pick swap and several first or second-rounders. The Panthers have the capital to make it happen after the San Francisco 49ers sent their 2023 second and third-round picks for McCaffrey.
Learn More About the NFC South Draft 2023
- Atlanta Falcons 2023 Positions Needed & First Round Draft Picks
- New Orleans Saints 2023 Positions Needed & First Round Draft Picks
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2023 Positions Needed & First Round Draft Picks
Potential Second-Round Targets
For now, we will assume Carolina holds on to its two second-round picks. The Panthers could focus on adding skill positions players and a linebacker.
Shaq Thompson’s future is uncertain with one year remaining on his contract. Carolina can add another young backer alongside Frankie Luvu and Brandon Smith. Noah Sewell (Oregon) and Henry To’oTo’o (Alabama) are good second-day options. Sewell, the younger brother of Penei Sewell, has great speed and physicality. To’oTo’o is a quarterback of the defense and is solid against the run and in coverage. Both prospects would fill the Panthers’ need for a middle linebacker.
Carolina also needs more pass catchers. After trading Anderson, the Panthers could use more speed in their receiving corps. Tennessee’s Jalin Hyatt would be the perfect fit to take the top off of defenses. However, Hyatt could be off of the board by the second round. Josh Downs (North Carolina) and Marvin Mims Jr. (Oklahoma) are also solid deep-threat options with great speed.
The Panthers have also lacked a good tight end since the departure of Greg Olsen. Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble have been a mixed bag, lacking consistency. Georgia’s Darnell Washington is built like an offensive tackle at 6-foot-7, yet he has impressive open-field athleticism and soft hands. Dalton Kincaid (Utah) and Luke Musgrave (Oregon State) are solid options with reliable hands and good route running.
If you’re building your receiving core like a basketball team, Darnell Washington is the power forward.
Just lob it up top to him and let him dunk on people.
(Credit to this poor safety who puts his entire being into this collision and pays dearly for it lol) pic.twitter.com/uxo7VW120I
— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) January 9, 2023
Carolina will be one of the most interesting teams to watch in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Panthers could make a leap in 2023 if they have a good off-season. Plus, Carolina could be one of the teams vying for the No. 1 pick.
