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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2023 NFL mock draft: Jalen Carter #88 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates a big defensive play during a game between Texas Christian Horned Frogs and Georgia Bulldogs at SoFi Stadium on January 9, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

Carolina Panthers option no. 2: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia

Jalen Carter is perhaps the best player in the NFL Draft. Not the best defensive tackle, or the best defensive player, but the best PLAYER in the draft. Despite Carter’s recent legal issues in Georgia, he will still be selected in the first round of the draft.

Would the Panthers have to trade up to #1 to select Carter? Likely not. Carter may slide in the draft due to his arrest. It is not uncommon to see teams become enamored with a specific player to the point where they will sacrifice a sufficient amount of capital to select that player.

Carter could be the piece Frank Reich and owner David Tepper need to add to their defense to take it to an elite level. Carter was an absolute wrecking ball as a Georgia Bulldog constantly disrupting plays, pressuring the quarterback, and commanding double teams by the offensive line in order to slow him down.

If the legal issues can be resolved Jalen Carter will be a dominant force in the NFL. If Frank Reich is so enamored he may be taking Carter first overall to ensure he does it in a teal uniform.

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