Grading the Carolina Panthers 2023 Draft Class

Evaluating how the Panthers did in this weekend's draft.

The 2023 NFL Draft is officially in the books and the Panthers have added five new pieces to the puzzle.

Panthers' 2023 draft picks

RD 1, PICK 1: QB Bryce Young, Alabama

RD 2, PICK 39: WR Jonathan Mingo, Ole Miss

RD 3, PICK 80: LB DJ Johnson, Oregon

RD 4, PICK 114: OL Chandler Zavala, North Carolina State

RD 5, Pick 145: S Jammie Robinson, Florida State

OUR STAFF'S GRADES

Schuyler Callihan: B

The Panthers had a plan and stuck to it. They knew they needed to add some depth along the offensive line and secondary while adding a big, physical receiver that could make plays over the middle of the field. Now, who they picked and where they picked them is a different story. 

Taking Oregon edge/linebacker DJ Johnson in the third round was a reach, in my opinion. I know there weren't many pass rushers left on the board but to move up 13 spots to reach for a guy didn't make a ton of sense. Especially when wide receiver Jonathan Mingo went earlier than expected as well. All that being said, Johnson has some freakish athletic ability and just recently converted from tight end. He may never be an elite pass rusher but he could certainly develop into a nice compliment to Brian Burns. 

Although they weren't the sexiest of picks on day three, the Panthers did a fantastic job by getting NC State offensive lineman Chandler Zavala and Florida State defensive back Jammie Robinson - two guys that have starting potential down the line. But ultimately, this class is made by the first overall pick, Bryce Young. They were not only able to grab a quarterback in this draft but the best one. This selection should change the direction of the Panthers and make them a contender in the NFC for years to come.

Matt Welch: A

The Panthers went out with a plan to meet needs this offseason and are doing just that. After aggressively trading up to No. 1 and taking the QB1 of the future in Bryce Young, Carolina took a big, young receiver to add to his options. Beyond that, the Panthers added depth at EDGE, OL, and the secondary. DJ Johnson and Jammie Robinson provide options and depth on defense with the ability to play in multiple sets. Chandler Zavala is a bully that gives Carolina options along the offensive line. I would have liked to have seen the Panthers take a shot at an ILB or a CB, but their five picks provided proven talents that should help immediately.

Tyler Ball: A-

Outside of the QB position, this draft was about building roster depth. Finding the right players that mesh talent and technique with the already established foundation. I still wonder why the Panthers traded up so far to get Johnson, but his intensity will be a good fear inducer on any QB trying to pass against both him and Burns on the sides. 

Mingo is a force to be reckoned with. He has an incredibly underestimated center of gravity making him a hard target to guard and take down, expect to see not only some athletic catches up the sidelines but some yards after the catch, if not touchdowns. Steve Smith Sr gave Tepper his seal of approval and the last receiver he did that for was DJ Moore. 

Jammie Robinson has some speed as well as he can come out of nowhere and break up or intercept passes. His addition also helps from a depth perspective since the Panthers plan to play Chinn more down in the box. Overall a pretty solid draft for the Panthers.

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