Carolina Panthers expected to draft specific QB with first pick by NFL executives

The Carolina Panthers acquired the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft from the Chicago Bears to land their franchise quarterback. With just a few weeks until the pick is made official, there is reportedly growing confidence about which quarterback will be drafted first.

While Carolina attended pro days for Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson and Kentucky Wildcats star Will Levis, neither signal-caller is believed to be atop the draft board. Instead, the Panthers’ organization is deciding between C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young.

Projections for which quarterback Carolina would take have varied in recent weeks. Stroud began as the favorite, but a strong pre-draft visit with Young and a glowing review from Nick Saban created more uncertainty.

Young and Stroud are both viewed as pro-ready quarterbacks who could step in immediately as the Panthers’ starting quarterback in 2022. While Young lacks Stroud’s prototypical size, the Heisman Trophy winner offers better physical tools and athleticism. As for Stroud, he doesn’t carry long-term concerns regarding his ability to hold up to the physicality of the NFL.

With less than three weeks remaining until NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the first pick, there now seems to be a more widespread belief around the league about who Carolina selects on draft night.

According to Dan Graziano of ESPN, most people in the NFL believe the Panthers will select Stroud with the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

“The Carolina Panthers would have you believe they moved up from No. 9 to No. 1 in the draft without knowing which quarterback they’re taking. As you’d expect, some people don’t believe that, and a very unscientific poll of sources to whom I spoke at the meeting tells me most people believe they’re taking Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud.”
Dan Graziano on Carolina Panthers’ plans with the first overall pick

The growing consensus around the NFL came around the same time a member of the Panthers’ organization made interesting comments to Stroud. When Panthers’ quarterbacks coach Josh McCown worked out with Stroud at Ohio State’s Pro Day, he told him that maybe they’ll find a court when he lives in Charlotte.

Stroud would be walking into an ideal situation, having the opportunity to learn from McCown, Frank Reich and offensive coordinator Thomas Brown. He would start immediately behind a good offensive line, with the additions of wide receivers Adam Thielen and DJ Chark providing a reliable supporting cast.

If Stroud is the first pick, Young will be drafted second overall by the Houston Texans. Once those two quarterbacks are off the board, then the intrigue with the 2023 draft begins with the Arizona Cardinals at the third overall pick.