Carolina Panthers must avoid the central mistake of the 2023 offseason to turn the franchise around

Failure is the only word that best describes the 2023 Carolina Panthers.  And the central mistake was the 2023 rookie class for the team, headlined by quarterback Bryce Young. Recently, NFL.com ranked and graded rookie classes a year in review, and not surprisingly, the Panthers failed.  Overall, the Panthers were ranked No. 28 and given a […]

Ian Kayanja
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Dec 17, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (15) reacts after making a catch in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Image via Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Failure is the only word that best describes the 2023 Carolina Panthers. 

And the central mistake was the 2023 rookie class for the team, headlined by quarterback Bryce Young. 

Recently, NFL.com ranked and graded rookie classes a year in review, and not surprisingly, the Panthers failed. 

Overall, the Panthers were ranked No. 28 and given a D+ grade for the 2023 NFL Draft, where they selected the following players: 

Round 1

  • (No. 1) Bryce Young, QB | 16 games/starts

Round 2

  • (39) Jonathan Mingo, WR | 15 games/14 starts

Round 3

  • (80) DJ Johnson, OLB | 13 games/3 starts

Round 4

  • (114) Chandler Zavala, OG | 10 games/7 starts

Round 5

  • (145) Jammie Robinson, S | 15 games/2 starts

The primary reason behind the Panthers' poor grade and ranking is Young. 

Here is what NFL.com had to say about the Alabama quarterback: 

"The prime disappointment was Young's rookie season. The No. 1 overall pick started 16 games, and it was tough sledding for most of it. The environment seemed extremely unfavorable for learning on the fly, with the Panthers lacking elite weapons and cohesion on the offensive line. Carolina also fired head coach Frank Reich midseason, and it's fair to wonder if turmoil on the coaching staff stunted Young's growth. Tight end Hayden Hurst said after the season he thought Young had "too many voices in his head" during the trying season."

Due to the Young trade, the Panthers don't own a first-round draft pick. However, they do still have selections in the following rounds. 

To avoid another disappointing season, the Panthers have to nail the draft. There is no other option. 

Players aren't lining up to play in Charlotte. The dysfunction has scared off most. But to change the culture means drafting the right players – something the Panthers haven't done well in the David Tepper era. 

If the Panthers manage to draft well, it could change the franchise's fortune sooner than most would expect. 

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