Panthers Trade for No. 1 Overall; Which QB Will Become Franchise Cornerstone in Carolina?
By Hunter Haas
The Carolina Panthers took the first major swing in the 2023 NFL Draft, trading up from No. 9 all the way to No. 1. The team gave up several draft picks and superstar receiver DJ Moore. Which guy was worth paying this price?
Frank Reich posted an above-.500 record with the Indianapolis Colts, even with a noted history of constant quarterback overturn during his tenure. The second-time head coach will not suffer the same fate in Carolina.
Panthers Trade for No. 1 Overall; Which QB Will Become the Franchise Cornerstone in Carolina?
Following a trade that cost the Panthers No. 9, No. 61, a 2024 first-rounder, and a 2025 second-rounder, plus DJ Moore, the term “all in” would be an understatement. This type of trade sets the precedent for the next half-decade of football in Carolina.
Reports say that the Panthers like multiple quarterbacks in this class, and would even be willing to trade back down the order if necessary. While it would be odd on the surface, recouping some picks by flipping with the Texans is at least on the table.
Four names have become fixtures in the QB1 discussion regarding the 2023 NFL Draft. I have met folks with Bryce Young atop the position, there are plenty of CJ Stroud fans, and Anthony Richardson and Will Levis have passionate supporters of their own. So, which way will Carolina go?
NFL Draft Option No. 4: Will Levis
Will Levis fits the mold of what Reich looks for in a quarterback — physically. He is built well, can use his legs to extend plays, and possesses all the arm strength necessary to be an NFL quarterback.
The issue with Levis is the same issue that haunts Carson Wentz. The Kentucky signal-caller is too volatile, oftentimes trying to create something out of nothing and putting the ball in harm’s way. Reich could smooth over these rough edges, but I doubt he wants to go down the same road again.
NFL Draft Option No. 3: Anthony Richardson
So, how about Anthony Richardson? If we are talking ceilings, nobody in this class holds a candle to Richardson. He runs a 4.4, and I personally witnessed him throw the ball from goal line to goal line… in the air!
As a rookie, Richardson will suffer growing pains. His accuracy is not there yet, and his overall mechanics in the pocket need work. However, his ability as a runner presents a more stable floor than most think. Still, I view this as less likely than the top two options — only because these next two bring a quicker turnaround.
NFL Draft Option No. 2: Bryce Young
Bryce Young ranks as the best quarterback on my big board, even with his short stature. He creates off-platform better than anyone in the class and showed many times in college that he is capable of carrying his squad when asked to do so.
The hangup? Reich has never coached a full-time starting quarterback shorter than 6-foot-3. As I said, I believe Young’s talent supersedes any size concerns, but will Reich share that sentiment? It is certainly possible. But there is a clear leader in the clubhouse right now.
NFL Draft Option No. 1: CJ Stroud
Ohio State’s CJ Stroud put up one of the best throwing workouts the NFL Combine has ever seen. Not only that, but he also flexed his confidence at the podium during media interviews. Stroud believes he was the best player in college football since becoming a starter — and it is hard to argue with that.
For Reich, Stroud checks every box physically. He also possesses the accuracy, ball placement, and arm strength to immediately make the Panthers a contender in the NFC South. He can run the Reich offense at a high level in year one and give the head coach the highest-upside quarterback he’s ever had in the NFL.
When a team makes a move as bold as this one, they must nail the pick. Regardless of who the Panthers select, there will be an immense amount of pressure to succeed. CJ Stroud and Bryce Young are best suited to shoulder these expectations.