2023 NFL Mock Draft: After Matt Rhule firing, Panthers begin new chapter with Bryce Young at quarterback
The Panthers turn the page with the Alabama passer at the helm
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During three drafts as head coach for the Panthers, Matt Rhule did something very rare. He never picked a quarterback on the first or second day of the draft. And now he's fired. Of course, that is far from the sole reason why he was let go after Week 5, yet it's extremely rare for a head coach -- especially one with full control -- to simply pass on the quarterback position early in the draft three years in a row.
Whoever's calling the shots for the Panthers next season needs to go quarterback -- in the first round.
The draft order below is based upon reverse Super Bowl odds from SportsLine. There's no No. 20 pick in this mock, as the Dolphins forfeited it for integrity of the game violations. Let's get to it.
NFL Mock Draft
Round 1
Round 1 - Pick 1
Back to Stroud landing in Houston. Davis Mills isn't a brutal quarterback. He's just not "it." Stroud very well could be.
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Round 1 - Pick 2
The Commanders can get out from the Wentz contract after this season with exactly $0 in dead cap. They need to go quarterback in Round 1, and Levis has first-round traits galore.
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Round 1 - Pick 3
Geno Smith is balling right now. It's Seattle's defense that's in need of a talent infusion. Anderson is the best defensive prospect in the class.
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Round 1 - Pick 4
The Bears need receivers, there's just not a marquee top-5 prospect at that position in this class. Anudike-Uzomah is a nice consolation prize. Dude is bendy and explosive around the corner.
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Round 1 - Pick 5
Young is the improvisational, poised and accurate passer the Panthers have been trying to find for a while now. The new head coach will prioritize that position in the draft, unlike what Matt Rhule did in his time as Carolina's head coach.
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Round 1 - Pick 6
The Steelers have to get better up front for the Kenny Pickett era. Fashanu has been a stud in pass protection this season for Penn State.
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Round 1 - Pick 7
The Lions defense has been getting shredded early this season, and Branch has been a fun playmaker for Nick Saban in 2022.
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Round 1 - Pick 8
The Falcons are not a bad football team. They're not good either. Respectable. They need more juice in their pass rush, and Murphy would bring that in spades.
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Round 1 - Pick 9
Skoronski probably won't test as a freaky athlete yet has some of the cleanest film at the offensive tackle spot in this class.
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Round 1 - Pick 10
I can't fathom Bill Belichick going receiver in Round 1 again, but Washington has been a runaway train at tight end for Georgia.
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Round 1 - Pick 11
The Raiders get a dynamic weapon for the middle of their defense in Simpson, who can rush the passer, cover, and fly to outside runs.
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Round 1 - Pick 12
The Cardinals need to reload along their defensive line, and Carter, when healthy, is a wrecking ball on the interior.
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Round 1 - Pick 13
Johnston's size, YAC ability, and speed make him land as the first receiver off the board in this mock to a team that could use more receiver help.
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From
Cleveland Browns
Round 1 - Pick 14
Ringo was a monster recruit and has met the billing in Georgia. The Texans took Derek Stingley last year, but this is the best player available.
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Round 1 - Pick 15
We aren't sure if Richardson will enter the 2023 draft, but if he does, the Giants should feel comfortable picking here in the middle of Round 1. He can get a redshirt season before starting in 2024.
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From
New Orleans Saints
Round 1 - Pick 16
The Eagles are in somewhat of a luxury position here. Mayer and Dallas Goedert could formulate an amazing tight end duo in Philadelphia.
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Round 1 - Pick 17
The Titans have to bulk up the interior of their offensive line and do so with a plug-and-play masher from Florida.
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Round 1 - Pick 18
Addison has, once again, had a dynamic season. He runs lightning-quick routes and routinely showcases his athletic brilliance after the catch.
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From
Denver Broncos
Round 1 - Pick 19
Seattle has a long history of drafting legitimately elite athletes, and Bresee is one of those.
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Round 1 - Pick 21
The Bengals are not done building the offensive front to keep Joe Burrow upright more frequently. Jones is a masher in the trenches.
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From
Los Angeles Rams
Round 1 - Pick 22
Hooker's an old prospect -- he'll be 24 during the pre-draft process -- but Pickett was an older prospect and went at No. 20 overall last year.
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Round 1 - Pick 23
The Vikings get another Anthony Barr type at linebacker in the gargantuan Campbell.
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Round 1 - Pick 24
The Chargers have to continue to build the strength of their defensive line. Dexter is a behemoth inside.
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Round 1 - Pick 25
Harrison feels like a big-bodied blocker the Cowboys would love to have up front. More early-round investment in the offensive line.
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From
San Francisco 49ers
Round 1 - Pick 26
The offensive line reconstruction continues for the Dolphins.
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Round 1 - Pick 27
Smith-Njigba's injury has slowed all his momentum from an awesome 2021. He's dangerous after the catch and runs quality route but isn't very big and doesn't appear to be an athlete in the caliber of some of the other star wideouts to enter the league recently from Ohio State.
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Round 1 - Pick 30
Uiagalelei will be a fun project type to follow Tom Brady in Tampa Bay.
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Round 1 - Pick 30
The Chiefs add a big, splash-play creator to their secondary in Johnson.
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Round 1 - Pick 31
Given the age of James Bradberry and Darius Slay -- neither are incredibly old but are not in the prime of their careers -- the Eagles go cornerback here.
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Round 1- Pick 32
The Bills add youthful power on the interior of their offensive line with Eguakun.
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