Panthers GM: 'We're still going through the process' to determine No. 1 pick
The Carolina Panthers continue to evaluate their options with under 10 days remaining before the 2023 NFL Draft.
Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer said Tuesday the team has a clearer view of its options as the owner of the No. 1 overall pick, but he added the club's decision-makers haven't reached a consensus as they finalize their draft board.
"We're still going through the process," Fitterer said during a pre-draft press conference, according to team reporter Augusta Stone. He added there has been "clarity" following pro days, top-30 visits, and other interactions.
Carolina climbed to the top of the draft board in a March megadeal with the Chicago Bears, sending wideout D.J. Moore and multiple first-round picks - including the No. 9 selection in this year's draft - to Chicago to secure the first overall pick.
Fitterer said the Panthers made the move because they believe strongly in a group of prospects at the top of the draft.
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young has emerged as a favorite to be selected at No. 1. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner reportedly canceled the remainder of his pre-draft visits Monday, prompting speculation he could be the top choice next week.
Young completed top-30 visits with the Panthers, Houston Texans, and Las Vegas Raiders.
Fitterer said the Panthers haven't told Young he will be their pick. Carolina is set to host quarterbacks C.J. Stroud and Will Levis at their facility later Tuesday, according to NFL.com's Kevin Patra.
Young has faced scrutiny from some evaluators because of his size. But Fitterer said the Panthers are confident the 5-foot-10, 204-pound signal-caller will be able to bulk up and translate his game to the NFL.
"Well, I'll say this, when Russell Wilson came out, I think he had three balls batted down his senior year; you know, Bryce had two," Fitterer said. "If you're just talking about Bryce, this doesn't seem to be an issue."
Though Fitterer didn't fully shut the door on Carolina trading the top selection, he indicated it's an unlikely outcome.
"As of right now, I don't see us trading the pick," he said.
The 2023 NFL Draft begins on April 27.
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