The Carolina Panthers shocked the NFL world when they traded up to the first overall pick in the NFL draft. The team, owned by David Tepper, who is looking to make a splash, will have a chance to draft a quarterback to change the future of the franchise for new coach Frank Reich
This comes as the team who “earned” the top overall pick, the Chicago Bears, has decided to go with Justin Fields, who they selected in the first round in 2021, as their quarterback of the future.
And, the Panthers had to give up quite the package to get the pick.
Compensation update, per sources: Bears trading No. 1 overall pick to Carolina for:
🏈pick No. 9
🏈pick No. 61
🏈a first-round pick in 2024
🏈a second-round pick in 2025
🏈WR DJ Moore pic.twitter.com/hHrHn1UIR2— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2023
But, the Panthers have some options at the top of the board. Alabama’s Bryce Young is considered by many to be the top quarterback prospect in the draft, though his size is a concern. Others considered are Florida’s raw project Anthony Richardson and strong-armed Kentucky quarterback Will Levis.
But, the other name that is sure to go off in the first few picks is Ohio State’s CJ Stroud. And, it seems like the Panthers are very interested, as they will send eleven team members to watch him throw.
Here are more details, courtesy of Pro Football Talk.
Stroud will work out for scouts at Ohio State’s Pro Day on Wednesday, and the Panthers are sending an army to watch him throw.
Albert Breer of SI.com reports that owners David and Nicole Tepper, General Manager Scott Fitterer, head coach Frank Reich , assistant General Manager Dan Morgan , vice president Samir Suleiman, offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, quarterbacks coach Josh McCown , senior assistant Jim Caldwell, scouting director Cole Spencer and scout Joel Patten will attend for the Panthers.
That’s a lot of people. The NFL Draft begins on April 27.