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What Should Carolina Panthers do with First Overall Pick in 2023 NFL Draft?

The Panthers just traded for the 1st overall pick in the NFL Draft. Who should they select?

On Friday, March 10, the Carolina Panthers broke the news that they were trading for the first overall pick from the Chicago Bears in exchange for the Panthers' ninth-overall pick, a 2nd round pick in 2023 (61 overall), and wide receiver DJ Moore. 

This trade gives the Bears a much-needed weapon for their franchise quarterback, Justin Fields. Young quarterbacks need time to develop. We forget that in today's day and age because of some of the superstars that have come out of college. Everyone expects them to start day one and be future Hall of Famers. It starts by piecing the puzzle around Fields.

While they are more than just a wide receiver away from competing for the Playoffs, the trade gives them the ammo to attack other glaring needs. With the ninth pick in the NFL Draft, they can either bolster the defense or attack the offensive line. Having three picks in the second round gives them several options to bring in top prospects that can contribute early.

cj stroud bryce young will anderson jr

For the Panthers, they need to find their franchise quarterback. Going into the new season with an aging Andy Dalton and an unproven Matt Corral shouldn't (and likely won't) be the mindset. But having a prospect with the talent at another position available in the NFL Draft could also be intriguing.

So, who should the Panthers draft with the first-overall pick? Here are three potential options they could explore.

EDGE Will Anderson Jr., Alabama

Alabama EDGE Will Anderson Jr.

The unlikely but possible option would be for the Panthers to select a defender. But the pure talent of Anderson possesses has to be appealing. He would fit perfectly in their current defensive scheme and is poised to step into the NFL, ready to cause problems for opposing offenses. 

Anderson's Scouting Blurb: A potential first-overall selection with the ability to convert speed to power and is also a twitchy athlete with great speed.


QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State

Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud

Quarterback is likely the option with the first overall pick. You don't trade all of those assets and not take your future franchise quarterback. Stroud has the potential to be exactly that. During his time at Ohio State, he's arguably been the best quarterback in the nation. But does he have the same intangibles as the next guy?

Stroud's Scouting Blurb: A mature, highly intelligent pocket-passer who makes smart decisions, does a phenomenal job of reading through his progressions and understands when to add zip or touch.


QB Bryce Young, Alabama

Alabama QB Bryce Young

What separates Young from the pack is his football IQ. His understanding of the game and ability to read defenses is second to none. While his size may raise concerns, other quarterbacks have proven that as long as you have the "it" factor, you're going to find success, which is exactly what Young has. His experience at the highest level has proven that he can make any throw on the grandest of stages. If you're looking for your franchise quarterback that has top-five potential - here's your guy.

Young's Scouting Blurb: An undersized, athletic gamer who possesses a lasso for an arm and is the consummate team leader. Has experienced the biggest stages that college football has to offer; uber-competitive and ultra-poised.


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