Schuyler Callihan's Carolina Panthers 2023 7-Round Mock Draft 1.0

A full projection of Panthers picks.

Each Monday, I'll be releasing a new Carolina Panthers seven-round mock draft. I will not project any trades until April.

RD 1, Pick 9: QB Anthony Richardson (Florida)

There's a chance that Richardson is already off the board, but after Young and Stroud are taken, I believe we'll see a run on defensive players. Richardson has a unique skillset and if he isn't rushed onto the field, he could turn out to be a home run pick here for the Panthers. 

RD 2, Pick 39: TE Dalton Kincaid (Utah)

Carolina has to add some pass-catching help at tight end. Tommy Tremble has improved but not to the point where he's going to be a go-to target. Kincaid is viewed as the best in this class and if he doesn't sneak into the first round, Carolina should take him immediately. 

RD 2, Pick 61: DE Adetomiwa Adebawore (Northwestern)

Taking care of the third major need for the Panthers, I'm taking the veteran pass rusher out of Northwestern. Yes, he's a bit undersized at 6'2', 265, but he makes up for it with great lower body strength and having a quick get-off. He may not be a huge impact player as a rookie, but he'll contribute enough to help draw some attention away from Brian Burns.

RD 3, Pick 93: WR A.T. Perry (Wake Forest)

Time to get another weapon for Anthony Richardson and whoever the bridge QB is going to be. I believe Terrace Marshall Jr. could finally develop into that No. 2 role in 2023, but it wouldn't hurt for Carolina to get another big-bodied receiver early in this draft. Perry makes a lot of sense, even if it's a bit of a reach in the third round. If he work through the drop issues and becomes more consistent, he could be a quality No. 3.

RD 4, Pick 114: LB Nick Herbig (Wisconsin)

Scott Fitterer mentioned adding more athleticism at linebacker, so that's where we go here. Herbig, in my opinion, would fit in nicely in Carolina's 3-4 scheme as an edge rusher/outside backer. Over the past two seasons, Herbig racked up a total of 20 sacks and 30 tackles for loss. Absolute disrupter who plays with a TON of energy. 

RD 4, Pick 132: RB DeWayne McBride (UAB)

D'Onta Foreman is an unrestricted free agent and although he and the Panthers want to get a deal done, there is no certainty. If Foreman doesn't return, McBride could help replace that physical presence in the backfield. This past season, he rushed for 1,713 yards and 19 touchdowns on 233 carries, averaging an absurd 7.4 yards per carry.

RD 5, Pick 147: CB Steven Gilmore (Marshall)

A corner with the last name Gilmore? Sound familiar? If you're wondering, yes, Steven, is the younger brother of former Panther, Stephon Gilmore. His draft stock will increase over the course of the next two months, so I doubt he'll be available at this point, but you never know. Great size (6'2") and length, but needs to pack on a little bit of weight.

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