Some expectation and convention would have to be broken by the Carolina Panthers in order for Mark Schofield to nail the prediction you’re about to see.
But what the heck? It’s only May. Let’s give it a whirl!
In his recent “way too early” 2023 NFL mock draft, Schofield sends the Panthers a bit of a surprise prospect—at least as surprising as you can get 11 months out. The Touchdown Wire analyst, at the ninth overall pick, drafted defensive end Myles Murphy—who is not only not a quarterback, but would also be the first player from nearby Clemson University to ever be drafted by Carolina.
“Certainly quarterback could be at play here for the Carolina Panthers, but similar to the Atlanta Falcons, the addition of Matt Corral gives the organization some breathing room,” Schofield notes. “They could decide to address quarterback here, or they could add at another position and give Corral some time.
“The play here is the latter approach, as they add one of the top talents on the edge to pair with Brian Burns, and make it harder for opposing passers to feel comfortable in the pocket.”
With last year’s leading sack-getter Haason Reddick signing away to the Philadelphia Eagles, we’ll see how uncomfortable the Panthers defense can make opposing passers this year. That huge void is expected to be filled by committee—with Yetur Gross-Matos, Marquis Haynes Sr., Amaré Barno and Frankie Luvu leading the way across from Burns.
But, you can never have too many pass rushers—especially if they’re the caliber of player Murphy is set to be.
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