Mel Kiper is refusing to ignore the most recent signs for the Carolina Panthers and this year’s No. 1 overall pick.
In his latest mock, ESPN’s longtime draft guru pencils in University of Alabama quarterback Bryce Young atop the board. He notes that the smoke—and potential fire—between the Panthers and the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner has been too much to overlook.
Young or C.J. Stroud? Stroud or Young? I think the Panthers are homing in on one of these passers after they traded up to No. 1. In my post-free agency mock draft, I went with Stroud, who fits the physical mold of quarterbacks new Carolina coach Frank Reich has worked with over the past decade. I’ve heard too many rumblings about the front office and coaches liking Young, though, and my pals Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter believe Young is the guy as well.
As Kiper wrote, he went with Stroud for the Panthers in his last set of projections. But his pals inspired the change.
“I listen to Adam and Mort,” Kiper told Mike Greenberg on Tuesday’s episode of Get Up. “Adam and Mort have been saying it’s gonna be Bryce Young. Greeny, I ain’t the smartest guy out there. But I have some common sense and I’d be an idiot if I didn’t listen to Mort and Adam when you’re hearing Bryce Young could go No. 1 even from your friends in the league. So, it’s Bryce Young for me right now.”
It’s also University of Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders, at least in the second round, for Kiper. He writes:
Sanders is coming off a phenomenal season after transferring from Alabama. He had 111 total tackles, 9.5 sacks, 16 total tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and an interception. At 6-foot-4, he’s a tall linebacker who can make an impact as a rookie. He could be play inside or outside for Carolina, and he’ll create chaos as a blitzer. Just let him chase the ball and he’ll make plays.
