Carolina Panthers Mock Draft Roundup 4.0
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft, we will update our Carolina Panthers Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Carolina Panthers from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Panthers:
NFL.com - Edholm (2/3)
9. Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
The Panthers certainly would need to have a starting-caliber veteran QB on the roster in order to make this pick, but Richardson has all the traits to be a Cam Newton starter kit to develop gradually.
The Draft Network - Marino (2/1)
TRADE - 1. Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
In Frank Reich, the Carolina Panthers hired the first offensive-minded head coach in franchise history. And after years of choosing to not participate in drafting a first-round quarterback despite having chances to do it, Carolina could go all-in to get their guy. There are plenty of rumblings that guy is Will Levis, who has all the physical makeup and intangibles to be a franchise quarterback. A coach like Reich could unlock his potential and set the course for the future.
College Football News (2/1)
9. Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Yeah, when it comes to size and mobility, yeah, the Cam Newton comparisons fit as the Panthers try hope to catch that lightning in a bottle again, but Richardson isn't the same passer ... yet. In terms of talent, this is a perfect spot to take a shot at the guy who — given a little time and work — might turn out to be a far more dangerous Josh Allen.
Athlon Sports - Fischer (1/31)
9. Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Owner David Tepper has made it clear that he wants a long-term solution for the QB position, and if that doesn't get accomplished through free agency, it will be done in the draft. Levis has all the physical tools to be a franchise guy and could be a great project for new head coach Frank Reich.
The Athletic - Baumgardner (1/30)
TRADE - 12. Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Is this still too high for a receiver? Maybe, but it wouldn't be as much of an issue for the Panthers with that sweetener (No. 66) they acquired by trading down from No. 9.
Jordan Addison certainly helped make Caleb Williams' debut season at USC a special one, although Williams propped up Addison last season more than the other way around. There are question marks with all the receivers toward the top of the list, including Addison, who has to continue developing general play strength.
SB Nation - Schofield (1/30)
9. Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Here we go.
Am I making this pick for the sole purpose of annoying my dear co-worker — and Panthers fan — James Dator?
Perhaps.
But with the move to hire Frank Reich, you can see a path toward picking a talented quarterback in the draft who needs some development. Say what you want about Carolina's decision to hire Reich, and not Steve Wilks, but Reich was part of the group in Philadelphia that turned Carson Wentz from a raw prospect into a potential MVP candidate in 2017, before his knee injury.
He'll not get to try something similar with Levis. The Kentucky QB can make spectacular throws, and if he puts it all together...
CBS Sports - Wilson (1/30)
9. Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Anthony Richardson is one of the most exciting prospects in this class. The problem: he's short on experience, and while his physical tools are rare, the Panthers are in dire need of a starting QB right now. David Tepper could choose to go the free agency route (again), but that has been, shall we say, a crapshoot. At the end of the day, Carolina may have to move inside the top five if it's a quarterback it really wants with Day 1 starter potential.
PFF - Sikkema (1/30)
9. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The Panthers could certainly be among the teams bidding for the No. 1 overall pick to get their quarterback of choice. But as I pondered on which potential trade seems most realistic, it is hard for me to imagine the Bears saying yes to a deal that moves them out of the top five. That's not to say Chicago is the only potential trade partner for the Panthers, but here I have them staying put. If they can afford to do that while drafting an extremely productive quarterback (elite passing grades in back-to-back seasons) like Stroud, that would be a big win for the first draft of the Frank Reich era.
ESPN - Kiper (1/25)
9. Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Let's get this out of the way now: I wouldn't play Richardson in Year 1. He needs time to develop. He's not an NFL-ready thrower. But he is an awesome talent, a raw quarterback in a 6-foot-4 frame who would be one of the league's most electrifying runners as soon as he steps on the field. His size and physical tools cannot be taught, and NFL coaches will want to work with him and try to take him to the next level. Richardson completed just 53.8% of his passes in 2022 -- he has a long ways to go with his mechanics. Again, though, he has a high ceiling if a coaching staff can help him get there.
In this scenario, the rebuilding Panthers would need to sign a bridge quarterback -- how about bringing back impending free agent Sam Darnold? -- so that Richardson can sit on the sidelines and soak in everything. Carolina still needs a head coach, but it also has extra second-, third- and fifth-round picks from the Christian McCaffrey trade to try to improve this roster.
NFL.com - Brooks (1/23)
9. Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
If the Panthers move on from pending free agent Sam Darnold, the team could take a flier on a boom-or-bust prospect with intriguing tools.
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