Carolina Panthers NFL Draft Predictions: 3 elite prospects Panthers should target in 2023 NFL Draft

The Carolina Panthers are fresh off making the first blockbuster trade of the 2023 NFL draft.

They traded away the No. 9, No. 61, 2024 first and a 2025 second pick, and receiver D.J. Moore for the first overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft. Now that's out of the way, it's time for the Panthers to select a suitable first-overall pick to kick off a long overdue rebuild.

The odds say that the Panthers will use the first overall pick on a franchise QB, and there are at least three to consider.Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson are all popular choices. So, we'll find out in a couple of weeks, but in the meantime, let's showcase our mock draft for the 2023 NFL draft.

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Three elite prospects Carolina Panthers should target 2023 NFL Draft

So, these are our favorite three targets for the Carolina Panthers in the 2023 NFL draft according to their needs for the immediate future:

First round, 1st pick: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Bryce Young, the best passer in the 2023 NFL draft class, is no joke. The Alabama Crimson Tide alum is one of the best quarterbacks of Nick Saban's illustrious coaching career, and he has earned his spot despite his slender frame.

Young is a Week 1 starter who can improve the players around him. He' super calm when facing pressure, reads defenses like an NFL veteran, and knows how to spur a locker room. Simply put, he's the most polished quarterback prospect in 2023.

Young would be coached by offensive gurus Frank Reich and Josh McCown. It would be an awesome coaching roster for a young QB, and Carolina's offense is an enticing proposition. While the receiving roster needs work, there's immense confidence that the Panthers will find ways to fix that this off-season.

Second round, 39th pick: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina

North Carolina wide receiver Josh Downs could be an incredible prospect to add to a weak Carolina Panthers wideout room. He could instantly step in as the Panthers' slot receiver and become a main target for QB1 Young or whoever they draft.

While most shorter quarterbacks usually struggle to throw over the middle, that was one of Young's strengths in college. Reich would run a scheme that racks up plenty of snappy throws and put Young out on the move.

Third round, 93rd overall: Byron Young, EDGE, Tennessee

Bryon Young is a raw but freakishly talented 6' 3" defensive lineman. His performances at the NFL Combine were awesome, and he should translate his college skills to the NFL.

While his role will be limited as a rookie, defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero knows the importance of having a wide array of rushers. Moreover, he would get premium mentoring from Brian Burns. For a late round-three pick, he would impact Carolina Panthers' improving defense in his first season.