Scott Fitterer identified a pivotal quarterback-or-left tackle decision with the Panthers’ first-round pick (No. 6 overall). With Carolina lacking second- or third-round choices, its first-round decision looms rather large.
The Panthers have identified tackles Ikem Ekwonu and Charles Cross as prime candidates for the sixth pick, Tony Pauline of ProFootballNetwork.com notes. Ekwonu might not be there at 6; Cross has a better shot at remaining on the board by the time Carolina’s selection surfaces. If the Panthers take the tackle that remains on the board, it will likely mean three tackles go in the top six while also amplifying Carolina’s quarterback need.
This is prime smokescreen season, and the Panthers passing on a quarterback there leaves a potentially bleak reality for a team with a coach on the hot seat. Carolina is doing extensive quarterback prep, with six QBs — Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, Matt Corral, Desmond Ridder, Sam Howell and Bailey Zappe — being included in the team’s 30 allotted prospect visits.
The Panthers cannot be viewed as being out on QBs, though Pauline writes the team’s top two preferences are Cross (Mississippi State) and Ekwonu (NC State). If Ekwonu goes in the top five, as expected, Pauline adds the expectation around the league is the Panthers selecting Cross at 6. The Giants, who hold the No. 5 overall pick, are doing considerable homework on Cross. Ekwonu grades as Scouts Inc.’s No. 2 overall prospect; Cross sits 15th. The Giants were eyeing DeVonta Smith in last year’s first round but saw the Eagles leapfrog them for the 2020 Heisman winner. This Carolina Cross interest could induce New York, which has a glaring need at right tackle, to use the first of its two top-10 picks on a lineman.
Carolina has needed a left tackle for ages, deploying different primary blockers at this spot since Jordan Gross‘ 2014 retirement. The team’s 2021 solution, journeyman Cameron Erving, remains under contract. But Fitterer indicated left tackle is firmly under consideration in Round 1, noting the left tackles out-grade this class’ top quarterbacks.
Expect Car oline to trade there 2023 first rounder to draft QB late in first round. You want the 5th controllable year in QB if the player hits.. I am sure there are teams willing to make deal for a potential top 5 2023 draft selection…
Why would Carolina surrender what is highly likely to be a top ten pick in 2023 to move into the first round in a draft with a weaker QB class? Why not just wait until next year?
imo, the only way Ikwonu gets past the Giants is if Neal is also still on the board at #5, which is not likely.