Mel Kiper Changes Panthers Projection in Latest Two-Round Mock Draft

In all honesty, it's nothing but a guess at this point.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has released a new two-round mock draft and at the very top, he's changed his mind. He has the Carolina Panthers taking Bryce Young over C.J. Stroud, switching from his previous mock projection. 

Here is his analysis for No. 1 along with who he has Carolina taking at No. 39.

No. 1: QB Bryce Young (Alabama)

Young or C.J. Stroud? Stroud or Young? I think the Panthers are homing in on one of these passers after they traded up to No. 1. In my post-free agency mock draft, I went with Stroud, who fits the physical mold of quarterbacks new Carolina coach Frank Reich has worked with over the past decade. I've heard too many rumblings about the front office and coaches liking Young, though, and my pals Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter believe Young is the guy as well.

If Young is indeed the pick, he could be a superstar. He's my top-ranked signal-caller, just ahead of Will Levis. There is some risk because of his stature, however. At 5-foot-10, 204 pounds, he will be the third under-6-foot QB drafted in Round 1, joining Kyler Murray (2019) and Johnny Manziel (2014). He's a much different player from those two, relying more on his pinpoint accuracy and pocket mobility than his scrambling ability. General manager Scott Fitterer got very little from his 2022 draft class, but he has to hit a home run here.

My analysis: I hate to admit that I agree with Kiper, but I have a really strong feeling that Young is going to end up being the pick. If you've seen any of my recent mock drafts or heard my take on our podcast with Jonathan Stewart or one of my guest appearances on WFNZ, you know that I favor Stroud. I think he's the safer pick and with the staff Carolina has assembled, he can be groomed into one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. Young's size scares me to death. I understand he's played at that height. I'm not worried about passes being batted down at the line of scrimmage. He knows how to work the passing lanes. It's just a matter of avoiding that one big hit.

No. 39: LB Drew Sanders (Arkansas)

Sanders is coming off a phenomenal season after transferring from Alabama. He had 111 total tackles, 9.5 sacks, 16 total tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and an interception. At 6-foot-4, he's a tall linebacker who can make an impact as a rookie. He could be play inside or outside for Carolina, and he'll create chaos as a blitzer. Just let him chase the ball and he'll make plays.

My analysis: Love this pick. I tend to lean pass rusher or receiver here at 39 but if Sanders is the best player available at 39, I'd take him. Big, physical backer that can play the MIKE or could even rush off the edge. He has a knack for getting after the passer, eventually growing into a Frankie Luvu-type of role. 

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