We’re going no-huddle on this one.
The Carolina Panthers will be on the clock when the 2023 NFL Draft begins.
…Unless they for some reason trade again.
Looking to the sidelines.
Listening to the headset.
Rushing everyone to the line.
[Matt Fitz’s Mock 2.0] [Top 100 Big Board]
1.
Carolina Panthers (via Bears) - Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Last mock had C.J.
1, so I’ll change it up.
We all know the game is going to a more movement-style quarterback.
Same thing in the years in Indy.
We had some dropback, some movement guys.
That has some advantages."
There’s also this to consider, even though it appears C.J.
No shortage of viable teachers for Richardson to learn from as he endures inevitable growing pains.
It’s basically all because of his size.
Look at all the smaller signal-callers who’ve been banged-up and/or rendered ineffective of late.
Baker Mayfield, Tua Tagovailoa, Zach Wilson, Kyler Murray and even Brock Purdy immediately come to mind.
So why is the Alabama Heisman winner the pick at No.
I question how much of that translates.
Whatever happens, it’ll be exciting.
3.TRADEIndianapolis Colts (via Cardinals): C.J.
Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Assuming Richardson is the pick at No.
Easy to see them overpaying to move up one slot and ensure they land Stroud.
Indy GM Chris Ballard loves traits-based prospects, so Will Levis is a real possibility as well.
I think Stroud has a higher floor, a comparable ceiling, and far superior innate accuracy.
I forgive you for scoffing at the notion that this could possibly happen.
It wouldn’t cost Las Vegasthatmuch to hop up from seven to four.
For Arizona, it means not dropping way off so as to lose out on a premier defensive prospect.
Levis seriously gives me Justin Herbert vibes.
Questioned out of college due to circumstances about his situation that were out of his control.
It’s not hard to imagine a scenario where Levis falls on draft day and flourishes.
I’d imagine drafting a rookie this high buys Josh McDaniels more time/job security.
Not like the Raiders have any good in-house options at the moment after releasing Derek Carr.
Seattle Seahawks (via Broncos) - Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
YOOOOOOOO.
Will Anderson Jr. is the obvious choice here but I’m feeling saucy.
He’s so quick and smooth for being 6-1, 197 pounds.
Use the 20th pick on a front seven defender instead.
Witherspoon is the key in of hard-nosed, lockdown corner Detroit needs to bring some attitude to its secondary.
Talk about a dream scenario for the Cardinals.
Don’t ask me why the Falcons are rolling with Desmond Ridder at QB for 2023.
Not writing Ridder off just yet, but that’s a tough sell for your fan base.
Maybe they’re tanking for Caleb Williams.
What they should prioritize early, if not first, is better protection for Justin Fields.
Jenkins instead signed an extension with Green Bay in December.
So instead, Chicago can draft Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski.
He could well prove to be as uniquely versatile and effective as Jenkins for a fraction of the cost.
And below is the rest of Round 1.
Shit’s just gonna blow the fuck up once the tidal wave of free agency hits anyway.
