Panthers Draft Picks 2023: Every selection Carolina has in April

The Carolina Panthers are coming off yet another losing campaign. However, it’s been an incredibly busy offseason for this franchise.

The last time this franchise made a playoff appearance was 2017. It’s somewhat odd to note that the Carolina Panthers have made a pair of Super Bowl appearances, falling short in 2003 (XXXVIII) and 2015 (50). Yet, the team has never put together back-to-back winning campaigns.

Over the past five seasons, Carolina hasn’t had a lot of winning on its mind. Seriously, the club owns a combined 29-53 record since 2018. It’s start-over time again with the hiring of head coach Frank Reich (the franchise’s first-ever starting quarterback).

Panthers draft picks 2023

Barring another trade, the Panthers are slated to pick first in the NFL Draft for the first time since they made quarterback Cam Newton the top choice in 2011. It was only the second time the franchise used a first-round selection on that position (Kerry Collins in 1995).

• Round 1: 1 overall
• Round 2: 39 overall
• Round 3: 93 overall
• Round 4: 114 overall
• Round 4: 132 overall
• Round 5: 145 overall
• Round 6: None
• Round 7: None

It’s safe to say general manager Scott Fitterer gave up plenty to move up to the top spot on April 27 at Kansas City. The Panthers sent wide receiver D.J. Moore to the Chicago Bears, along with first- and second-round picks in 2023, their first-round selection in 2024 and a second-round choice in 2025. “We wanted to be in position to get a quarterback,” explained Fitterer earlier this week (via Eric Edholm of NFL.com).

The other notable deal made by the team came last season when Carolina sent running back Christian McCaffrey to San Francisco for second-, third- and fourth-round picks this year and a fifth-round choice in 2024. The Panthers still have three of those picks, but the second-rounder from the 49ers went to the Bears.

Panthers draft needs 2023

The Panthers continue to be busy during free agency. Nonetheless, here are Carolina’s needs courtesy of Pro Football Focus (subscription required)

1. Quarterback
2. Running back
3. Wide receiver
4. Tight end
5. Edge

Despite the additions of quarterback Andy Dalton (Saints), running back Miles Sanders (Eagles) and veteran wide receivers such as Adam Thielen (Vikings) and D.J. Chark, don’t be shocked if Fitterer, Reich and the organization add some more offensive firepower. Carolina has finished a dismal 29th in the league in passing yards per game for two straight years.