Analyzing Carolina's Picks in ESPN's 7-Round Mock Draft

A quarterback, some help at receiver, an edge rusher, an inside backer, and some depth at corner. Those are some of the biggest needs for the Carolina Panthers entering the 2023 NFL Draft and in the latest seven-round mock draft by Jordan Reid, the Panthers check each of those boxes.

Below is each pick that Reid made for the Panthers along with my analysis.

RD1, Pick 1: QB C.J. Stroud (Ohio State)

Yes, yes, yes! Stroud is the guy. The size, the arm talent, the accuracy, it's all there. Bryce Young may be the most talented, but Stroud isn't far behind him and you don't have to worry about durability being an issue.

RD2, Pick 39: WR Josh Downs (North Carolina)

I actually have the Panthers taking Downs in my most recent mock draft, so of course I love this pick. Downs is an explosive receiver that can do a lot of damage after the catch and is difficult to tackle in the open field.

RD3, Pick 93: EDGE Andre Carter (Army)

Carter had 14.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss in 2021. He saw those numbers dip to just 3.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss this past season. After having a dominant year, he garnered more attention as opposing teams slid protections to his side, threw double teams at him, and chipped him with tight ends. I don't know if he'll be a starter in the NFL but worth taking a shot in the third round. Don't hate the pick.

RD4, Pick 114: LB Henry To'oTo'o (Alabama)

Personally, I don't see To'oTo'o slipping into the fourth round, but if he's still on the board, then it absolutely makes sense. He's not a great run defender but does an okay job against it. Does a nice job in pass coverage and limits explosive plays from happening over the middle of the field. He'll be a starter down the line.

RD4, Pick 132: WR Kayshon Boutte (LSU)

I'm not sure what to think about Boutte. He has second-round talent but didn't play consistently enough to warrant that high of a selection. In the fourth round? Yeah, that's more like it. This is a good point in the draft to add another vertical threat that can really stretch the field.

RD5, Pick 145: CB Garrett Williams (Syracuse)

This one I'm really confused by mainly because I think Williams will be long gone. I have him as a third-round grade, so this seems more like wishful thinking to me. Carrington Valentine, Cory Trice Jr., and Rejzohn Wright seem like more realistic options.

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