Ranking the Panthers 2023 Draft Picks by Potential

Who could have the most impact with the Panthers?

It's hard to believe it's been nearly three months since the 2023 NFL Draft. With rookie minicamp, OTAs, and mandatory minicamp now behind us, we rank the Panthers' rookies based on potential.

1. QB Bryce Young

The coaching staff, front office, players, and even veteran QB Andy Dalton have done nothing but rave about the rookie. His intelligence and on the field and in the film room have blown everyone away, making it feel like he's already been in the league for a handful of years.

2. WR Jonathan Mingo

Mingo's combination of size, length, and speed draw comparisons to some of his predecessors at Ole Miss (A.J. Brown, DK Metcalf). He's not as polished as those two were coming out of college, but we can throw some of that blame on the foot injury he sustained his junior season. It may not happen right away, but I fully expect Mingo to be a critical piece of this offense in Carolina.

3. OL Chandler Zavala

Believe it or not, Zavala is still learning the game of football. He picked up the sport late in his high school career and has already come a long way in a short period of time. There's a chance he could push for that starting left guard spot in his rookie season but if not, he'll make a serious run at it in 2024.

4. S Jammie Robinson

He may not be the biggest defensive back out there, but boy, does Jammie Robinson pack a punch. Aside from being a hard-hitter, Robinson is rock solid in pass coverage as he totaled eight pass breakups and five picks over his last two seasons at Florida State. He enters a great situation with Vonn Bell, Xavier Woods, and Jeremy Chinn manning down the safety spots, meaning he can just come in learn and contribute rather than be thrown into the fire.

5. LB DJ Johnson

To this day, I am confused about this pick. I know pass rushers were flying off the board and they had to address the position, however, I didn't agree with the decision to trade that far up the board for a project. Johnson is fairly new to the position and may never develop into a formidable pass rusher off the edge.

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