Panthers take franchise QB in Draft Wire’s latest 2023 mock draft

Draft Wire’s newest 2023 mock has the Panthers securing their franchise QB—one who could very well be the top passer of the entire class.

The Carolina Panthers have been renting a one-week pad on cloud nine with PJ Walker after his impressive showing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And although Walker has added to his feel-good story and can even propel the Panthers into first place by Sunday evening, some folks know the long-term answer under center isn’t on the roster.

One of those folks is Draft Wire editor Luke Easterling, who has Carolina selecting Alabama quarterback Bryce Young at the third overall spot in his latest mock. He writes:

Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold haven’t worked out, Matt Corral will miss his entire rookie season with an injury, which has left PJ Walker running the offense. If the Panthers get the chance to land a difference-maker like Young, the new regime in Carolina shouldn’t hesitate.

Needless to say, if the Panthers are in a position to pick in the top three of the draft, something has gone very, very wrong in the Steve Wilks era. So that pick would probably be made by whoever the next head coach is.

Nonetheless, it would be very easy to declare Young as the best quarterback in this entire class. Plus, adding him to an offense that already has a solid trench and a few promising young weapons would be quite a move for Carolina’s future.

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