Way-too-early Panthers 2023 NFL Draft preview

Anthony Richardson. Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Way-too-early Carolina Panthers 2023 NFL Draft preview

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 1/11/23

The 2023 NFL Draft is April 27-29 in Kansas City. Here is the projected first-round order, per Tankathon.

2022 record: 7-10 | First-round pick: No. 9 | Team needs: QB, WR, RB

Snapshot: Are the Panthers in love with any of the top QB prospects? If so, the team has the ammunition necessary to move up to select a franchise quarterback. Winning games with 32 passing yards isn't sustainable in the NFL, as Carolina did in its Week 18 win against New Orleans. At ninth overall, the team won't be in line for Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, or Will Levis. Depending on how the team evaluates the class, that might not be such a bad thing.

Potential first-round picks: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida; Quentin Johnson, WR, TCU; Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Anthony Richardson is a tantalizing prospect, a player who exhibits flashes of brilliance that make him look like he could become a star. He throws arguably the best deep ball of any QB in this class. This beautiful 51-yarder against LSU is among his best:

Anthony Richardson LAUNCHED this @GatorsFB pic.twitter.com/AuEbtQywPG
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) October 15, 2022

He's an all-around playmaker, as comfortable throwing from a clean pocket as making magic happen when it deteriorates, as he did on this throw against Georgia:

Just a ridiculous throw from Anthony Richardson pic.twitter.com/EfKGMEEyic
— Kenny G. (@Gritz_Blitz) December 20, 2022

But his nine interceptions and 53.8 percent completion percentage are red flags that could scare off the Panthers. It's also possible another organization thinks enough of Richardson to make a trade to get ahead of Carolina in the draft order.

Carolina could also draft the top wide receiver in the class, Quentin Johnson, and use the draft capital it acquired in the Christian McCaffrey trade to pursue a veteran QB. The Panthers could also trade down, acquire picks, and select Texas running back Bijan Robinson.

Per Tankathon's mock draft, Robinson is projected to go 24th overall to Baltimore. In ESPN's list of best available players, Robinson ranks sixth.

In 2022, Robinson rushed 258 times for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns. The team could get great talent at running back and wait for Southern Cal QB Caleb Williams to become available in 2024.

That would require another down year in Carolina, which isn't fair to Steve Wilks, should he get the head-coaching job full-time. The decision to tank next season would be easier if the team decides to bring in a new regime.

Until there's clarity at the head-coaching position, the possibilities are endless in Carolina.

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