With the bulk of free agency and the quarterback pro day tour behind us—it’s about that time again, folks.
Let’s try to continue the Carolina Panthers’ journey to their revamped roster with this, our latest 2023 mock draft.
Pick No. 1 (First round): C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
With less than a month until that No. 1 overall pick is announced, Stroud certainly feels like the leader in the proverbial clubhouse. And why not?
The 6-foot-3, 214-pound prospect may be most complete prize of this year’s quarterback group. His combination of sparkling arm talent, sharp accuracy, satisfactory athleticism and solid measurables makes him a safer investment than the undersized Bryce Young and raw Anthony Richardson.
Pick No. 39 (Second round): DJ Turner, CB, Michigan
From a C.J. to a DJ and Buckeye to a Wolverine, our second pick may surprise a few of you. But if you harken back to any game where Jaycee Horn wasn’t on the field in 2022, then this isn’t really that much of a reach.
Turner—at 5-foot-11—may not have the length fellas like general manager Scott Fitterer look for, but he has everything else . . . and more. He’s an incredible athlete, a fine technician and an absolute gamer.
Additionally, his high-end speed and explosiveness allows him to man plenty of ground. Those gifts should be a nice fit in defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s system, which relies heavily on Cover 4 looks.
Pick No. 93 (Third round): Moro Ojomo, DE, Texas
Speaking of Evero, Carolina has dished out some bucks to help accommodate his new 3-4 front—signing Shy Tuttle and DeShawn Williams. Nonetheless, Fitterer mentioned two weeks ago that he’d still like add some depth to the trench.
Ojomo could slide right in as a 5-technique on the line. He possesses plus athleticism from the position, considerable power and enough tools to contribute as part of a rotation right away.
Pick No. 114 (Fourth round): Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State
Fitterer also mentioned wanting a vertical threat. While the additions of veterans Adam Thielen and DJ Chark are decent enough for their respective reasons, the offense needs more firepower.
Reed can give them exactly that. The 5-foot-11, 187-pounder wins with and without the ball, can be utilized as a gadget player by head coach Frank Reich and even presents some value as a returner on special teams—another spot the team hasn’t firmly addressed.
Pick No. 132 (Fourth round): Yaya Diaby, OLB, Louisville
Along with some depth upfront, the defense could certainly use some pass rushers to complement Brian Burns. Diaby does need some refinement to his arsenal, but has the quickness and burst that’ll make him a disruptive presence early on.
Pick No. 145 (Fifth round): Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma
Other than starting tackles Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton, the Panthers have just one edge blocker on the roster—Larnel Coleman. That, obviously, can’t be the case for too much longer.
Morris has experience on both ends and would be a worthy swing tackle option.
