Panthers GM gives update on plans for NFL Draft

Scott Fitterer. Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers GM gives update on plans for No. 1 draft pick

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 3/20/23

Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer met with reporters Monday to discuss what the team plans to do with the No. 1 pick in April's NFL Draft.

Fitterer also talked about the flurry of moves the Panthers have made since the NFL Combine earlier this month. Among the high-profile additions that Carolina has made include Pro Bowl running back Miles Sanders, veteran quarterback Andy Dalton and two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Adam Thielen.

Fitterer said he will be at all four upcoming QB pro days (Stroud, Young, Levis, Richardson).
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) March 20, 2023

Fitterer on Andy Dalton: "His leadership, his expertise."

Says the fact Dalton started as a rookie was part of it. Ties in other moves that are QB-focused.

"Everything we've done is to support that position."
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) March 20, 2023

Fitterer on Thielen: "He wanted to be here for three years."

So being 32 is less of a big deal.

Described him as a "leader."

"He's what our team needs right now."
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) March 20, 2023

Panthers head coach Frank Reich took the podium following Fitterer and spoke at length about quarterback prospects C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, Will Levis and Anthony Richardson. All four signal-callers are expected to be selected in the early rounds (if not early picks) of the draft.

Reich was asked specifically about the importance (or lack thereof) of a quarterback's height when scouting options, presumably with regards to Young, who is listed at just 5-foot-10. Carolina's new hire spoke candidly about the topic.

Asked how much weight he puts into a QBs size as opposed to other traits, Reich says: "That would be like giving the propriety formula for Kentucky Fried Chicken."
— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) March 20, 2023

Reich asked about short QBs a lot today.

"Don't read anything into the fact, I had a high grade on Russell Wilson too," he said with a laugh.
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) March 20, 2023

Panthers head coach Frank Reich on trading up to first overall: "We knew at 9, it was a hard spot."

Praises GM Scott Fitterer and owner David Tepper's input throughout the process of formulating the trade with Chicago.
— Augusta Stone (@augustalstone) March 20, 2023

It was reported last week that Reich and Panthers owner David Tepper prefer different quarterbacks for the team's selection at first overall.

Carolina brass has 38 days until they'll need to make a decision, as it will officially be on the clock on April 27 to kick off the 2023 NFL Draft.

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