5 players the Panthers could pick with the 1st pick in the 2023 NFL Draft

2023 NFL mock draft: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes drops back to pass during the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 04: Anthony Richardson of Florida fist bumps CJ Stroud of Ohio State during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 04, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Carolina Panthers option no. 4: CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State

CJ Stroud is a compelling selection, to say the least. Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich has a trend of favoring bigger pocket passers and CJ Stroud could fit the mold. Stroud threw for an impressive 41 touchdowns with 6 interceptions and a 66.3% completion rate.

Stroud tends to favor the pocket utilizing his strong arm and accurate passing ability. NFL teams scouting Stroud believe he is an athlete and will be encouraged to use his athleticism to extend plays. Stroud has never been a true “mobile” or dual-threat quarterback but despite not having blazing speed he has the capacity to be more of a double threat.

The Panthers may be put off by Bryce Young’s diminutive nature and elect to take the OSU quarterback who stands at 6’3 and 218 pounds. Stroud could be an absolute menace in the passing game in the NFL. If he can fall back on his natural athleticism to increase his effectiveness on the field he could easily be worth the first pick overall.

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