Panthers QB Coach Implies Team Will Draft C.J. Stroud

Carolina owns the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

Star quarterback C.J. Stroud threw at Ohio State’s pro day on Wednesday. The potential No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft had representatives from 30 of the league’s 32 teams in attendance for his workout, including the Panthers, who own the top pick in April. 

After completing his drills, Stroud was seen talking to members of the Panthers organization, including head coach Frank Reich and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown.

McCown could be overheard discussing a game of HORSE with the star quarterback, seemingly suggesting that Stroud would be headed to Carolina on draft day. 

“We’ll find a court, play some HORSE,” McCown said to Stroud, via Panthers on Tap. “Maybe when you live in Charlotte, we’ll find a court.”

“I’m gonna take his money,” Stroud said in response. 

Carolina was extremely well represented at Stroud’s pro day in Columbus. The Panthers sent 14 employees to watch their possible franchise quarterback in action.

The organization traded up to get the No. 1 overall pick in the draft in a blockbuster deal with the Bears earlier this month. Although the Panthers haven’t declared which quarterback they’re pursuing, McCown’s interaction with Stroud could potentially indicate the team might be honing in on the Ohio State star. 

According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, the Panthers met with Stroud ahead of his throwing session Wednesday and intend to meet with him again prior to the draft. Their previous meeting included a 2 1/2-hour dinner, according to general manager Scott Fitterer, per Panthers.com.