What the NFL Mock Draft World Believes Carolina Does at No. 1

Who will it be for the Panthers?

A little over a week ago, the Carolina Panthers made a blockbuster deal, trading up to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. 

Since the trade was made, several reports have surfaced stating that the Panthers didn't trade up knowing who they were going to take. The belief is that the front office really likes two prospects and is going to take the next month and some change to see if a third joins the race. If so, the team could look into trading out of the first pick in an effort to recoup some of what they lost in the deal with Chicago. 

At the end of the day, the Panthers will probably remain at the top of the board. The question is, who will they select with that first overall pick? After a quick browse through the mock draft universe, it appears many believe it's down to Bryce Young (Alabama) and C.J. Stroud (Ohio State). However, there are a couple that believes Carolina goes for the big, yet risky swing by taking Anthony Richardson (Florida).

ESPN (Todd McShay) - QB Bryce Young

Draft Network - QB C.J. Stroud

CBS Sports - QB Bryce Young

247 Sports - QB Anthony Richardson

Pro Football Focus - QB C.J. Stroud

Pro Football Network - QB C.J. Stroud

The Ringer - QB Anthony Richardson

Yahoo! Sports - QB C.J. Stroud

For what it's worth, I projected C.J. Stroud to Carolina in my mock draft last week. I'll have a new, full seven-round projection on Monday.

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