Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer doesn’t get nervous often. He said so himself in the third and final episode of “Panthers Blueprint,” which released on Tuesday.
But he did also admit that things got a little dicey right before his second pick hit the clock earlier this spring.
The latest behind-the-scenes look into the Panthers’ offseason gave us a glance into the war room during the 2023 NFL draft. And as the second began, Carolina targeted three players—including Ole Miss wide receiver Jonathan Mingo and Syracuse offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron.
But right before their turn came around at No. 39, the Atlanta Falcons jumped into the 38th spot in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts and swiped up the latter of those two prospects.
At pick No. 39, the Panthers were targeting WR Jonathan Mingo or OL Matthew Bergeron
Atlanta traded up to 38 for Bergeron, making Mingo the easy pick
WR coach Shawn Jefferson "He fits our Z WR to a tee… As far as what we want as a complete WR in run/pass, this kid is it." pic.twitter.com/DZ1MAqaPNv
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) June 28, 2023
Despite Atlanta’s move (and assistant general manager Dan Morgan’s spicy reaction), Carolina got “their guy” at that point in Mingo. Plus, the Panthers might’ve done a little intra-division sniping themselves, as the New Orleans Saints were rumored to have eyes on the big-bodied wideout as well.
The NFC South—where great minds think alike?
