ESPN Early 2023 NFL Draft Projection

[kungfoodude]

7. Carolina Panthers

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State*

Baker Mayfield will get a trial year as the starter under center, and maybe he can keep the team out of the QB market next April. Kentucky's Will Levis could be the long-term answer in this spot, especially since Matt Corral is the only passer under contract beyond 2022 at the moment. But for now, I'm looking elsewhere: Smith-Njigba is a true WR1 candidate and is as efficient as they come out of the slot, posting more than 1,600 receiving yards last season. A smooth and consistent pass-catcher, he presents mismatch opportunities inside, and pairing him with DJ Moore would give the Panthers a creative 1-2 punch.

Biggest needs: QB, LB, DL

 

[ForJimmy]

I see you need a QB and there is a great option right here, BUT what about another WR1????

[Smithers]

He won’t be available at pick 32.  

[Panthercougar68]

I’ve been perusing mocks too and a lot of the don’t have any other first round QBs going after CJ and Bryce.

Still early in the year but so far not a lot of love for next class after Young and Stroud. 

[mrcompletely11]

2 minutes ago, Panthercougar68 said:

I’ve been perusing mocks too and a lot of the don’t have any other first round QBs going after CJ and Bryce.

Still early in the year but so far not a lot of love for next class after Young and Stroud. 

Huh?

[kungfoodude]

7 minutes ago, ForJimmy said:

I see you need a QB and there is a great option right here, BUT what about another WR1????

It just makes you wonder if these people have ever even seen our roster at all.

[Mr. Scot]

13 minutes ago, Panthercougar68 said:

I’ve been perusing mocks too and a lot of the don’t have any other first round QBs going after CJ and Bryce.

Still early in the year but so far not a lot of love for next class after Young and Stroud. 

I like what I've seen of Jurkovec from Boston College.

[Panthercougar68]

15 minutes ago, mrcompletely11 said:

Huh?

Writers waiting on the season before they mock the Van Dykes and Phil Jurkovecs  of the world.

Im not saying it’s a bad class but people just not mocking them right now in the first.

https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com

and I mostly mean big media writers, lots of small market guys still sending 5 QBs in the top 15
 

Edited August 25, 2022 by Panthercougar68

[Panthercougar68]

3 minutes ago, Mr. Scot said:

I like what I've seen of Jurkovec from Boston College.

I do too, the injury last year set him back scouting wise.

[trueblade]

16 minutes ago, Panthercougar68 said:

I’ve been perusing mocks too and a lot of the don’t have any other first round QBs going after CJ and Bryce.

Still early in the year but so far not a lot of love for next class after Young and Stroud. 

I've seen some talk online that Anthony Richardson could go in the first.

[Jared Patterson]

Anthony Richardson, Tyler Van Dyke and Tanner McKee are all better than any QB last year and some may surpass Stround and Young. Levis could blow too. I also like: Jefferson, Rodgers, Ward, Tune and McCall.

[Jackie Lee]

Really not interested in Bryce at 194 pounds. That's probably with pads on

[Sgt Schultz]

Apparently ESPN does not have great expectations for our season given the #7 draft pick.  Given my thoughts on ESPN, that means we are in for a good year and will be drafting around #25.

[Panthercougar68]

Just now, Jackie Lee said:

Really not interested in Bryce at 194 pounds. That's probably with pads on

He also was a deer in head lights when LSUs game plan was blitz the ever living hell out of him.

He finished with a good stat line but struggled getting the ball out compared to how the rest of the year was.