NFL Mock Draft 2023: Panthers Take Bryce Young as their No. 1 Pick after Trade with Bears

The 2023 NFL mock draft takes center stage as the Carolina Panthers make a bold move to acquire the No. 1 overall pick from the Chicago Bears. In exchange, the Bears received a package of picks and wide receiver DJ Moore.

With their newly acquired top position, the Panthers selected quarterback Bryce Young as their first pick. Young, who played college football at the University of Alabama, is widely considered as one of the top quarterback prospects in recent years.

The Panthers’ decision to trade up indicates their willingness to take a gamble on a young quarterback who they believe has potential to lead their team for years to come.

The 2023 draft class is seen as particularly strong in the quarterback position, with four of them expected to go in the top five.

Panthers legend and former wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. reacted positively to the team’s decision saying, “They’re going to do some big things.”

The Bears, on the other hand, gained additional draft picks and the services of DJ Moore, who has been one of the most reliable receivers in the game in recent years. The trade also offers the Bears more flexibility moving forward.

The Bears’ General Manager, Ryan Poles, discussed the trade on a recent podcast, stating that the deal was done to set the team up for future success.

The deal did not come without its share of questions, including how the move would affect the cap space and what D.J. Moore’s contract looks like.

Overall, the Panthers’ big move has created a buzz among fans and industry experts alike as the team looks to solidify their roster ahead of the upcoming season.