Latest CBS Sports mock draft has Panthers trading up to No. 1 in blockbuster

It’s no secret that the Carolina Panthers are in need of a franchise quarterback.

So in his latest mock draft for CBS Sports, NFL reporter Josh Edwards has the Panthers pulling off a blockbuster three-team trade to move up from No. 9 to No. 1 overall to land Alabama’s Bryce Young.

“Carolina traded up (with the Arizona Cardinals) to No. 3 overall and then (with the Chicago Bears) to No. 1 overall,” Edwards explained of his trade scenario. “It is a similar model that Philadelphia used to select Carson Wentz in 2016. Philadelphia sent players, including Kiko Alonso and the No. 13 overall selection to Miami in exchange for the No. 8 overall selection. Then, it flipped that to Cleveland for the No. 2 overall selection.”

In Edwards’ hypothetical scenario, the Panthers get Young, the Houston Texans take Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud No. 2 overall, the Bears get Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson No. 3 overall and the Cardinals nab Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez No. 9 overall.

Edwards also has Kentucky quarterback Will Levis going fourth overall to the Indianapolis Colts.

“Houston does not get its pick of quarterback at No. 2 overall, but C.J. Stroud could still prove to be an elite talent,” Edwards said of Houston’s pick.