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The Carolina Panthers find themselves in a bit of a conundrum as they are split on who to pick with the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, following their trade up with the Chicago Bears. The Panthers have about 50 days left until draft day and are still undecided on which direction they should go.
According to ESPN Reporter Adam Schefter, there is a belief that Panthers owner David Tepper “loves” Alabama’s Bryce Young, while Head Coach Frank Reich “likes” Ohio State’s CJ Stroud. Schefter said, “At this point in time, a decision between Bryce Young and CJ Stroud is in play for the number one overall pick.”
The team is in no hurry to make a decision and believes that they have plenty of time to figure it out. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported, “The team stance is we got nearly 50 days to figure this out, we just wanted to jump everyone else.”
Furthermore, the Panthers are considering trading down from the first overall pick. According to reports from ESPN, The Athletic, and the Charlotte Observer, the Panthers are looking to trade down if they have more than one quarterback prospect they like.
Update: #Panthers are indeed considering trading down from the 1st overall pick of the 2023 Draft.
A third report now confirms, this one from ESPN. The Athletic and Charlotte Observer reported the same.
If they have more than one QB prospect they like, they could trade down. pic.twitter.com/ApSqgzFy6k
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 12, 2023
The Panthers traded multiple high picks and wide receiver DJ Moore to acquire the first overall pick, and it seems that they are not entirely sold on any particular player just yet. With so many possibilities available, it is essential for the team to take their time and weigh their options before making a final decision.
Overall, it seems that the Panthers are taking a patient and calculated approach to the draft, and it will be interesting to see how it all plays out come draft day.