The Carolina Panthers have been on the clock since making a blockbuster trade last month to acquire the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft and get their choice of potential franchise quarterbacks.
There’s still no general consensus on which QB will go first.
Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud? The Panthers themselves are still trying to decide and they’re doing their due diligence on Anthony Richardson and Will Levis in the process.
The Panthers traded four picks, including No. 9 overall and a first-rounder next year, along with wide receiver DJ Moore to give new coach Frank Reich a quarterback to build around.
The first edition of the AP’s 2023 mock draft says it’ll be Stroud.
1. Carolina Panthers (from Chicago): C.J. STROUD, QUARTERBACK, OHIO STATE
Stroud’s size — 6-foot-3, 214 pounds — gives him an edge over Young — 5-foot-10, 204. Stroud has a strong, accurate arm and possesses the leadership ability and other intangibles that Reich values.
2. Houston Texans: BRYCE YOUNG, QUARTERBACK, ALABAMA
Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, becomes the face of the Texans and allows Houston to move past Deshaun Watson. His size is below standard but it was never an issue when Young played at a high level at Alabama. He can make every throw, has strong pocket presence and is a dynamic playmaker.
3. Arizona Cardinals: WILL ANDERSON, EDGE, ALABAMA
New coach Jonathan Gannon benefited from having a dominant defensive line last season as a defensive coordinator for the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles. Anderson is the best pass rusher in the draft and Arizona has to replace T.J. Watt and Zach Allen.
4. Indianapolis Colts: ANTHONY RICHARDSON, QUARTERBACK, FLORIDA
Another pick inspired by the Eagles. New coach Stane Steichen, the former offensive coordinator in Philadelphia, had tremendous success with quarterback Jalen Hurts. Colts owner Jim Irsay is a big fan of Hurts’ style. Richardson has incredible athleticism, a strong arm and elite talent. He needs time to work on accuracy and mechanics.
5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): JALEN CARTER, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, GEORGIA
Before his off-field issues, Carter was a potential No. 1 overall pick if Chicago didn’t trade down. He’s too talented to slip further. Carter is the right fit for Seattle and coach Pete Carroll.
