We don’t know which 2023 quarterback prospect Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer prefers—at least not yet. For now, we’ll have to settle for another opinion from a man who was in a very similar position.
On Tuesday, ESPN published its latest mock draft—this time, from former New York Jets general manager and Miami Dolphins executive vice president of football operations Mike Tannenbaum. He believes—in the ongoing C.J. Stroud vs. Bryce Young debate—that the Panthers should opt for the latter . . . but just narrowly.
Tannenbaum writes:
After several years of uncertainty and stop-gap options at the quarterback position, the Panthers have to find a long-term answer. And after trading up to No. 1, I’d be going all-in on Young. It was a tough call for me, and I just narrowly picked him over Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud. But while Young’s 5-foot-10, 204-pound size is a concern, his talent is unquestionable. He’s the guy I’d lean on to turn the passing game around in Carolina. Since 2019, no Panthers QB has thrown more than 17 touchdown passes in a season. That would change in 2023 with Young, who had 79 TD passes over the past two seasons, tossing precision passes.
Carolina sent heavy contingents last week to see both quarterbacks at their respective pro days. They even dined with Stroud and Young, giving themselves an opportunity to get to know the men behind the game.
Despite sitting atop the board with no interest in trading out of the spot, the Panthers are still keeping their intentions under wraps. Heck, their decision makers are even playing it close to the vest between one another.
So, we’ll just have to wait for the process to keep playing out.