Schuyler Callihan's Carolina Panthers 2023 7-Round Mock Draft 3.0
Each Monday, I'll be releasing a new Carolina Panthers seven-round mock draft.
RD 1, Pick 1: QB C.J. Stroud (Ohio State)
The Panthers are going to get the guy they want and it's the best quarterback in the class. I've said for a while now that Stroud is the only sure bet at the position in this class. There are a lot of concerns with Bryce Young's size and although there are loads of potential with Anthony Richardson and Will Levis, you just don't know what you're going to get. You don't trade up all the way to No. 1 unless it's for Stroud, in my opinion.
Last week: Same pick.
RD 2, Pick 39: WR Jalin Hyatt (Tennessee)
If the Panthers are specifically looking for a guy that racking up YAC, this is their guy. Hyatt averaged 18.9 yards per reception this past season, doing much of his damage in the open field. He's got the speed and the elusiveness to make tacklers miss in space. The biggest question is whether or not he can win the physical matchups consistently in the NFL when corners jam him in press coverage.
Last week: TE Luke Musgrave (Oregon State)
RD 3, Pick 93: LB Noah Sewell (Oregon)
I love this fit. At 6'3", 250 lbs, Sewell would become the biggest linebacker on the Panthers' roster and would slide in nicely at the MIKE. He's a tough, physical backer that plays with a lot of energy and emotion. Sewell is a solid defender against both the run and pass, playing the edge and covering the slot in addition to play the MIKE. And yes, he is the brother of Lions offensive tackle, Penei Sewell.
Last week: Same pick.
RD 4, Pick 114: DL Zachh Pickens (South Carolina)
Pickens can play in multiple defensive alignments but would be a good fit as a defensive end in Carolina's base 3-4 defense. With the team signing DeShawn Williams in free agency, Pickens will be able to be utilized as a rotational/depth piece for the first year or two of his career.
RD 4, Pick 132: CB Cory Trice Jr. (Purdue)
I'm not sure C.J. Henderson is going to be in Carolina long-term and with all the injuries the Panthers have had at the cornerback position, it would be a good idea to take one in this year's draft. Trice is one who really sticks out to me in the middle rounds as someone who could develop into a good rotational guy. He offers great size and length at 6'3", 210 pounds, and can move around. He's played some safety too, so there is some positional flexibility here.
Last week: Same pick.
RD 5, Pick 145: WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (West Virginia)
There's a lot of boom-or-bust here with Ford-Wheaton, but in the fifth round, you're not risking much. He absolutely lit up the combine running a 4.38 40-yard dash and recording a 41" vertical jump at the NFL Combine. He drop issues at WVU but also had games where he couldn't be stopped. If he irons out those inconsistencies, he could become a really solid NFL receiver. The Raleigh-area native returns to his home state.
Last week: Same pick.
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