Leading up to the NFL Draft, SIS will be publishing team previews for those with Top 10 picks in the draft. Each preview will look at the players who most make sense for that team at that selection based on stats and scouting factors and will include quotes from that player’s scouting report.

You can find more than 300 scouting reports and much more team analysis at our NFL Draft website.

The State of the Panthers:

It has been a busy offseason in Charlotte for the Panthers over the past few months following another sub .500 season. The Matt Rhule era came to a quick end in the 2022 season as he was fired after a 1-4 start. The Panthers rallied under interim coach Steve Wilks to finish 7-10, landing them the 9th pick of the NFL Draft. The organization decided to turn to Frank Reich to become the next Head Coach, and have built a strong support staff under him. 

After the staff was finalized, the organization turned its focus on the NFL Draft and made a blockbuster trade to receive the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2023 draft. It came at a steep price of two 1st- and two 2nd-round picks over the next three draft cycles and star WR D.J. Moore. Now the Panthers hold the keys to the 2023 Draft, and are likely to select someone who they want to be their franchise quarterback No. 1 overall.

Even though the Panthers parted ways with Moore, they have replenished their stable of weapons for the next quarterback with offseason additions like, RB Miles Sanders, WR’s Adam Theilen and DJ Chark, and TE Hayden Hurst. Carolina also returns all 5 starters on the offensive line and a young defense that will help bolster any quarterback the Panthers select.

#1 Overall

Bryce Young – Quarterback – Alabama 

Young’s accuracy, awareness, and steadily poised demeanor make him a good starting-level QB, and don’t allow his size concerns to affect his ability to be a true playmaker on the field.

The former Heisman winner is the top QB on the SIS Big Board, and is the heavy favorite to be the No. 1 pick. His decision making and playmaking ability is similar to a point guard in basketball (read his draft profile for more info).

C.J. Stroud – Quarterback – Ohio State 

Stroud has the makings of a high-level NFL starter due to his spot-on accuracy, pocket management, and ability to perform in clutch situations assuming he develops his decision making under pressure.

Stroud seemed like early favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick after the Panthers traded up in March. His size and accuracy are traits that the new Panthers head coach seems to value in a quarterback. 

Anthony Richardson – Quarterback – Florida

Richardson is the full package talent wise with the dual-threat ability and arm strength coveted at the next level, but he will need to refine his mechanics and simplify his decision-making to be a more consistent player.

Richardson has the biggest upside out of all the quarterbacks in this draft cycle. His size and athletic profile also have a similar resemblance to the last franchise quarterback the Carolina Panthers selected with the No. 1 overall pick, Cam Newton. 

To learn more about the Panthers and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.