Panthers mock draft: Day 2 focus shifts to defense after offensive upgrades in free agency

The Carolina Panthers are less than a month away from making the first overall selection in 2023 NFL Draft.

With just six picks in the upcoming selection process, the Panthers will need to choose wisely throughout the three-day draft to improve their roster for this upcoming season and beyond.

Every Monday leading up until draft week, The Observer is compiling a Panthers-only mock draft for fans (and maybe the team) to ponder as the selection process draws closer.

Previous Mike Kaye mock drafts: March 8 | March 20

Previous Ellis Williams mock drafts: March 13 | March 27

Here is our latest all-Panthers mock draft:

First round: No. 1 pick (via Chi)

C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

For a second consecutive mock draft, I have the Panthers selecting Stroud with the first overall pick. Even if you ignore the size narratives with Panthers head coach Frank Reich, Stroud is still the most logical fit for the play-caller.

Stroud’s ball placement, accuracy and consistency are phenomenal. Those traits will help Reich and offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, as they look to create an offense that relies heavily on spacing and yards-after-catch opportunities.

Alabama’s Bryce Young — who would also be a fantastic pick here — is probably the better prospect, but Stroud feels like the better team fit with this current staff. The Panthers traded all the way up to No. 1 to nail this pick, and Stroud fits like a glove.

Second round: No. 39 pick

Keion White, DE, Georgia Tech

The Panthers’ switch to a 3-4 defense has left them without much depth up front. White, a former tight end, has ties to the area — as a Garner native — and his upside as a defensive end should intrigue Carolina.

White, listed as 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds, has the scheme versatility to rush the passer from multiple different looks. As the Panthers collect several different body types for mix and match situations, White could be used as a complement to both Brian Burns and Derrick Brown.

White can rush as a down lineman and be used in space as well. That versatility could help defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero create some major mismatches in the trenches.

Third round: No. 93 pick (via SF)

Henry To’o To’o, LB, Alabama

Even with Shaq Thompson reworking his contract to return, the Panthers are light on inside linebacker depth. To’o To’o could come in and fix that problem.

With Frank Luvu set to rotate between inside and outside linebacker, the Panthers need a strong option with their third inside linebacker on the depth chart. To’o To’o is more of a technician than an athlete, but he could provide support for both Thompson and Luvu.

The Panthers also have Brandon Smith, but To’o To’o is a completely different player, and could complement the 2022 fourth-round pick down the road.

Fourth round: No. 114 pick

Jonathan Mingo, WR, Mississippi

After focusing on defense on Day 2, the Panthers add a toy to Stroud’s offensive play room in the fourth round.

Mingo, listed as 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, has NFL size and speed. He ran an impressive 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he has been compared to former Cardinals, Ravens and 49ers wideout Anquan Boldin due to his size and proficiency in the slot.

Mingo’s technical prowess with route running and blocking should put him in strong standing with the Panthers’ coaching staff.

Fourth round: No. 132 pick (via SF)

Alex Austin, CB, Oregon State

The Panthers need to add another body to their cornerback group. Jaycee Horn, Donte Jackson and C.J. Henderson have all dealt with injuries during the past two seasons, and the group lost Myles Hartsfield to free agency this offseason.

Austin, listed as 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, is a solid depth option behind the Panthers’ top trio. He can battle it out with Keith Taylor in training camp to become the first guy off the bench this season.

Austin — who is ideally fit for zone coverage — could also be viewed as a starting option down the road.

Fifth round: No. 145 pick

Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma

The Panthers have yet to replace Cam Erving at swing tackle. With an emphasis on the trenches, offensive line depth is paramount, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Panthers go after a lineman on Day 3.

Morris played on both sides of the line at Oklahoma. The 6-foot-5, 307-pound lineman has an athletic skill set, and he could step in for either Ikem Ekwonu or Taylor Moton if an injury were to occur at the position.

Morris makes sense as a short-term, versatile backup, and potentially, a long-term Moton successor.

This story was originally published April 3, 2023 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Panthers mock draft: Day 2 focus shifts to defense after offensive upgrades in free agency."

Mike Kaye

The Charlotte Observer

Mike Kaye writes about the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer. He also co-hosts “Processing Blue: A Panthers Podcast” for The Observer. Kaye’s work in columns/analysis and sports feature writing has been honored by the North Carolina Press Association (NCPA). His reporting has also received recognition from the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE).Kaye previously covered the entire NFL for Pro Football Network, the Philadelphia Eagles for NJ Advance Media and the Jacksonville Jaguars for First Coast News. Support my work with a digital subscription