3. Colts must outbid the Carolina Panthers
Frank Reich’s new team, the Carolina Panthers, could be an immediate threat for Indianapolis in the bidding war for the No. 1 pick. The Panthers currently have the ninth-overall pick but their need at quarterback could motivate them to do whatever it takes to jump seven teams and get the No. 1 pick from the Chicago Bears.
Carolina is probably the only team in the NFL with a crazier quarterback situation than the Colts in recent years. While Indy has had five different starting quarterbacks in the last five years, the Panthers have also cycled through guys. Carolina went from Cam Newton to Teddy Bridgewater to Sam Darnold back to Newton and then to Baker Mayfield, with Kyle Allen, Will Grier, and PJ Walker also sprinkled into the mix.
Despite all of the change, the Panthers haven’t found a permanent solution. They even drafted Matt Corral last year but he missed his rookie season with an injury. Now, it won’t be shocking if Carolina turns to the 2023 draft to look for another quarterback that could bring their quarterback carousel to a stop.
The Panthers could sit at nine and possibly select a quarterback like Anthony Richardson or Will Levis, but if they are captivated by one of the top quarterback prospects: Bryce Young or CJ Stroud, Carolina could be attempting a jump to No. 1.