NCFan’s way early mock

[ncfan]

1st: CJ Stroud-  I don’t see anyway possible that we go without taking a QB in the 1st.  Only way this happens is if that Payton/Brady combo rumor comes to fruition.  Even if it means trading up and away our 1st next year.  Continuing to punt at the most important position in all of sports, will get you fired.  And especially when you have a Owner who is as QB hungry as anyone.   Carolina trades their 2024 1sts here and moves up to get their franchise guy.  Additionally, I find it hard to believe a new HC candidate and Especially a offensive minded guy.  That would want this job without the promise of them addressing the QB position first thing.

2nd (40): Zay Flowers- Fitterer talked in his presser taking how this will be a “Sexy draft” and “Vertical threats”.  One of the very first person that popped in my head was Zay Flowers. Flowers is smaller just over 5’10 175.  But is a fast, quick, firecracker/play maker.  The NFL is going to more base 3 WR sets on offense with the 2 TE sets being more common is additional packages.  DJ Moore is the only receiving threat and even somewhat deep threat we have.  Flowers adds another threat and a true deep threat that will keep safeties from crowding the box.

 

2nd (SF): Luke Musgrave- If you notice a trend of the top teams.  They make sure they surround the young QBs with a serious arsenal of Weapons.  You see it in KC, in Cincinnati, and in Philly.  TE is a position we were Awful at last year and need help badly.  Ian Thomas hasn’t proved that he is anything other than a TE2-3.  And Tremble is going into year 3 still haven’t showing that he is anything more than a Good blocking TE2.

Luckily for us,  this is a STRONG TE class.  Musgrave is a Freak and a tremendous pass catcher.  At 6’6 250, he is expected to run in the 4.5’s.  
 

 

3rd: Mike Morris- Morris is a High upside SDE.  Who started to takeoff this season.  He’d be a high 2nd rd in most drafts.  But due to this being arguably the strongest position in this draft.  He falls some.   Carolina Trades away their 5th rd pick and a future 4th to move up and lock him in.

4th: Zacch Pickens- Panthers still need help in the front 7.  And really could use help in the trenches at 3-tech.  Pickens has the tools and upside to develop into a eventual starter.

[Shocker]

If the draft produced some of these guys especially Stroud I would take that in a heartbeat.  I think to get Stroud will probably cost us a bunch to move up

Edited January 23, 2023 by Shocker

[45catfan]

I like Flowers with the first of the two 2nds.  I really want a boundary WR, but there are many more of those than quality slots this draft.

[Untouchable]

You know I'm high on Musgraves who started getting 1st round love. Can't argue with draft one bit but I think the DL upgrades are coming in free agency.