As far as quarterback prospects go—it’s the more, the merrier for the Carolina Panthers.
On Monday, Ohio State University standout CJ Stroud took one step closer to the big leagues, officially declaring for the 2023 NFL draft. And whether or not owner David Tepper, general manager Scott Fitterer and the rest of the Panthers front office have an eye for this Buckeye—Stroud’s announcement is an extremely positive development for the organization.
Proverbs 3:5,6 pic.twitter.com/FdA2ftqQFJ
— CJ Stroud (@CJ7STROUD) January 16, 2023
For one, it improves the chances of the Panthers landing a passer—even if they decide to stay put at the ninth overall pick. While remaining stationary probably wouldn’t help them grab one of the top two names in Stroud or University of Alabama’s Bryce Young, Carolina has seen one more kid added to the queue.
That, essentially, pushes the other prospects down a spot in line. Now that Stroud has entered, that’s one more slot before the Panthers that has been taken up—increasing the possibility of landing a Will Levis, an Anthony Richardson or another quarterback that’ll assuredly pick up steam come April.
And if Stroud is Carolina’s guy, they’ll have a shot to shoot. Given the draft capital they recouped through the Christian McCaffrey trade—a deal that netted them 2023 picks in the second, third and fourth rounds—Fitterer and company will have some ammo to work with.
Plus, they could have a willing dance partner in the Chicago Bears—who not only have the No. 1 overall pick, but a potential franchise passer in Justin Fields already in tow. So if the Panthers want to boogie, they’ll have to bust out a lot of their top moves.
