NFL Mock Draft: Making all six of the Panthers’ 2023 picks

The wait is almost over.

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In less than two weeks, the Panthers will be on the clock with the first overall pick. And since it’s Monday, The Observer is taking another swing at predicting how the draft weekend will go for Carolina.

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Previous Mike Kaye mock drafts: March 8 | March 20 | April 3

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Previous Ellis Williams mock drafts: March 13 | March 27 | April 10

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Below is our latest Panthers-only mock draft:

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First round, No. 1 (via CHI): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

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The Panthers have used the first overall pick on Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud in my previous two mock drafts.

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However, like many other reporters over the past couple of weeks (shout out to our own Ellis Williams), I’ve had some recent conversations that make me believe that Alabama’s Bryce Young has a ton of momentum with the Panthers entering the home stretch before the draft.

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That doesn’t mean Young will ultimately be the guy, but for the sake of this mock draft, that’s who I’m selecting.

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While Stroud’s skill set certainly fits exactly with what Frank Reich’s Colts offenses did in Indianapolis, it’s worth noting that offensive coordinator Thomas Brown is taking the lead with the offensive playbook. That outlook could lead to some changes with how the offense is designed — to an extent.

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Also, just because we haven’t seen Reich consistently coach a short quarterback — Young stood 5-foot-10 and weighed 204 pounds at the NFL combine — that doesn’t mean he’s incapable of adapting for a top talent like the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner. After all, wasn’t this staff put together to get the most out whomever they selected at quarterback?

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Young’s pocket mobility will help the Panthers, especially if there is a regression from the offensive line. He has excellent vision — especially for a sub-6-foot-3 quarterback — and his high release should help him avoid batted balls at the line. If the Panthers feel like his slender frame can hold up over two NFL contracts, they should select him.

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While Stroud has been my previous pick here, I’ve maintained that Young is probably the better overall prospect. If size doesn’t matter to Carolina, he should be the guy.

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Either way, Stroud vs. Young is a good problem to have at this point in April.

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Second round, No. 39: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State

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Anudike-Uzomah would be an ideal complement to EDGE rusher Brian Burns — even as a rookie.

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The 6-foot-3, 255-pound EDGE rusher collected 19.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles during the past two seasons for Kansas State. While he leaves a bit to be desired as a run defender, his pass-rushing prowess could serve as a major boon for Carolina.

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While veteran pass rushers like Leonard Floyd and Yannick Nagkoue are still hanging around on the open market, Anudike-Uzomah would be a cost-controlled addition with high upside. At only 21, Anudike-Uzomah has plenty of room to grow.

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Third round, No. 93 (via SF): A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest

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The Panthers need to create long-term stability at wide receiver. As of now, the only wide receiver under contract beyond 2024 is Adam Thielen, who will be 35 years old entering the 2025 campaign.

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Perry can bring size and speed to the lineup immediately, and complement Thielen, D.J. Chark and Terrace Marshall Jr. at the position. The 6-foot-3, 198-pound playmaker ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at the combine, and he has the wingspan and frame to make himself an ideal jump-ball target early in his career.

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During the past two seasons, Perry has collected 152 catches for 2,389 yards and 26 touchdowns. While Marshall is seemingly penciled in for a starting role — likely at the X position — Perry can push him during training camp.

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Perry is an ideal weapon for Young, who should be able to find his big body down the field.

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Fourth round, No. 114: Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse

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The Panthers’ cornerback need has been a bit understated this offseason. While Jaycee Horn has been excellent when healthy, he — like Donte Jackson and CJ Henderson — has dealt with notable injury absences during the past two years.

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The Panthers need to upgrade their depth chart in a big way at the position because of that injury history.

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While Williams is coming off an ACL injury, his talent makes him a real bargain in the fourth round. Williams, a Hickory Ridge High grad, could push Henderson and Jackson this summer in training camp.

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Williams is a scheme-versatile playmaker with strong ball skills and the “want to” to be involved in the run game. The 6-foot, 189-pound cornerback would have probably been a high Day 2 pick if not for the knee injury he sustained in his final year at Syracuse.

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Fourth round, No. 132 (via SF): Cameron Latu, TE, Alabama

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Selecting one of Young’s top Alabama weapons on Day 3 is an enticing option for the Panthers. And Latu isn’t just a Crimson Tide add-on, either.

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The 6-foot-4, 242-pound tight end looks the part of an NFL playmaker at his position. He also averaged 14.1 yards per catch during his college career in Tuscaloosa.

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While the Panthers signed Hayden Hurst in free agency and reworked Ian Thomas’ contract this offseason, the tight end spot could still use some juice.

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Latu caught 56 passes for 787 yards and 12 touchdowns during the past two years with Young as his quarterback. He also has some blocking upside, which makes him an intriguing starter option down the road.

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Fifth round, No. 145: Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane

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With the Panthers moving to a 3-4 front, speed at inside linebacker will be important.

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Williams has quality speed (4.49-second 40-yard dash at the combine) and size (6-foot-1 and 228 pounds) at the position, and he could be a nice complement to returning veteran Shaq Thompson.

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While the Panthers are likely to start Thompson and Frankie Luvu inside, Williams could carve out a role on special teams as a rookie. Eventually, Carolina could give him sub-package work.

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Like Latu, Williams is an athletic player who fits a major long-term need.