Panthers mock draft 3.0: Why Alabama quarterback Bryce Young is still the No. 1 pick

The NFL is entering the final steps of its draft evaluation process as potential prospects started taking top-30 visits last week.

Top-30 visits serve as an up-close opportunity for teams to answer any lingering questions about a prospect. Quarterbacks Bryce Young (Alabama), C.J. Stroud (Ohio State), Anthony Richardson (Florida) and Will Levis (Kentucky) are all expected to visit Carolina on a top 30 visit.

The NFL Draft is about four weeks away. In addition to selecting first, Carolina also picks at No. 39 (second round), No. 93 (third round), 114th and 132nd (fourth round) and 145th (fifth round).

Previous Mike Kaye mock drafts: March 8 | March 20 | April 3

Previous Ellis Williams mock drafts: March 13 | March 27

Here is The Observer’s latest all-Panthers mock draft.

First round: No. 1 pick

▪ Name: Bryce Young

▪ Position: QB

▪ School: Alabama

For a second consecutive mock draft, I have the Panthers selecting Young. He was the best quarterback in college football, and the evaluation process validated that.

There has been a lot made about new head coach Frank Reich’s history with taller quarterbacks. He has never started a quarterback under 6 foot 3 (Phillip Rivers, Andrew Luck, Carson Wentz, Nick Foles and Matt Ryan). But Reich did not draft any of those quarterbacks. Reich also shared that he had a high draft grade on Russell Wilson in 2012. General manager Scott Fitterer was the Seahawks’ director of college scouting when Seattle selected Wilson.

History aside, Young is the best quarterback prospect available. He’ll thrive within any offense the Panthers install as long as he is protected by an elite offensive line.

Second round: No. 39 pick

▪ Name: Darnell Washington

▪ Position: TE

▪ School: Georgia

Darnell Washington has a varying range of outcomes according to several mock drafts or draft simulators. If he’s available at No. 39 then the Panthers should take a chance on the 6-foot-7 tight end.

Washington is an in-line tight end with extraordinary size and length. He’d become an instant red-zone threat and provide the next Panthers quarterback with a favorable catch radius. Washington is a straight-line runner who quickly builds speed. At only 21 years old, there is a chance he could improve his short-area quickness to become a more complete route runner.

There are other names to watch at No. 39. Jordan Addison (USC), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State) and Zay Flowers (Boston College) are all expected to be drafted in the first round but would benefit Carolina if any were to fall.

There should also be a surplus of pass-rushing talent available at pick No. 39. Mazi Smith (Michigan), Tuli Tuipulotu (USC), Derick Hall (Auburn), Bryan Bresee (Clemson), Will McDonald (Iowa State), B.J. Ojulari (LSU), Fleix Anudike-Uzomah (Kansas State) and Adetomiwa Adebawore (Northwestern) all have Round 2 or 3 grades according to multiple NFL evaluators.

Finding a play-making pass catcher, or a starting defensive lineman is critical at No. 39.

Third round: No. 93 pick

▪ Name: Chandler Zavala

▪ Position: G

▪ School: NC State

This is the first mock draft where I’ve had the Panthers draft an offensive lineman. There are a few reasons why. First, it’s important to build upon roster strengths, especially up front. Second, the Panthers’ interior options are not necessarily deep. Guard Austin Corbett is recovering from a Week 18 ACL injury. Brady Christensen is a capable inside protector, but the team also needs a swing tackle. It’s also unclear whether Cade Mays is a future starter or a career backup.

Reuniting Zavala with former Wolfpack teammate Ikem Ekwonu would equip Carolina with another upside option across the offensive line. Like a defensive back or pass rusher, a team can never have too many talented offensive linemen.

Zavala played just five games in 2021 due to a back injury but was fully healthy in 2022. He played the entire season without allowing a sack and only one quarterback hit, according to Pro Football Focus. He’s capable of playing either guard or tackle.

Fourth round: No. 114 pick

▪ Name: Jayden Reed

▪ Position: WR

▪ School: Michigan State

Michigan State receiver Jayden Reed falling to pick No. 114 would help the Panthers. Reed is built like a complete receiver. At 6 feet, 185 pounds, he plays bigger than his frame. Reed can play outside or in the slot. He’s explosive in short-yardage situations and uses his quick-twitch athleticism to open on underneath routes.

Reed would likely compete with Laviska Sheneult Jr. and Shi Smith for a backup receiver role, but the Panthers need to draft and develop pass-catching talent after trading DJ Moore.

Fourth round: No. 132 pick

Name: Zach Evans

▪ Position: RB

▪ School: Ole Miss

The Panthers signed running back Miles Sanders to a lucrative free agent deal, but Carolina still lacks size at the position. It’s unclear how Reich and the new coaching staff feel about incumbent running backs Chubba Hubbard and Raheem Blackshear. Drafting a running back would not be an endorsement for either.

Evans uses his 6-foot, 215-pound frame to punish defenders. He’s a proven short-yardage runner who can also pop explosive plays. The Rebels also routinely trusted Evans in pass protection.

Coming out of high school, Evans was the No. 2 running back prospect behind Texas running back Bijan Robinson.

Fifth round: No. 145 pick

▪ Name: Carrington Valentine

▪ Position: CB

▪ School: Kentucky

Carrington Valentine spent the past two seasons stifling SEC receivers. According to Pro Football Focus he forced 14 pass defections and had one interception. He’s an involved run defender with 108 tackles, 80 of which were solo. His 6-foot, 190-pound frame is favorable against larger NFL pass catchers.

Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson is recovering from a Week 10 Achilles tear and backup Keith Taylor did not perform well during an increased role last season.

As a former wide receiver, Valentine displayed astute ball skills for a defensive back.