Carolina Panthers first-round draft history: Team selects Bryce Young, becoming third QB taken by team in first round
Posted April 27, 2023 6:00 a.m. EDT
Updated April 27, 2023 9:23 p.m. EDT
When the Carolina Panthers selected a quarterback on Thursday night, it marked the third time in franchise history the team has picked a quarterback in the first round.
The Panthers selected Alabama’s Bryce Young with the first pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Panthers are chose Young over Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, Kentucky’s Will Levis and Florida’s Anthony Richardson to try to upgrade a quarterback position that has been in transition for the last five seasons.
Young joins Cam Newton (2011) and Kerry Collins (1995) as the only other quarterback selected by the franchise in the first round of the NFL Draft.
On WRAL-TV at 7: Before the NFL Draft begins, tune in for team coverage from the draft site in Kansas City and the Panthers’ party in Charlotte. We will break down how this pick could be a turning point for the franchise.
Here’s a look at the Panthers’ draft selections by year:
2022: OT Ikem “Ickey” Ekwonu, sixth overall pick
Last year, the Panthers selected N.C. State offensive tackle Ikem “Ickey” Ekwonu with the sixth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
In the 2022 season, Ekwonu played 100% of the Panthers 1,016 offensive snaps and started all 17 games at left tackle.
According to Pro Football Focus, Ekwonu allowed the fewest pressures allowed (27) by a qualified rookie tackle.
Ekwonu will likely be responsible for protecting the blindside of Young in the 2023 season.
That is especially important given Young is undersized for a typical NFL quarterback. Young was measured at 5’10” and weighed 204 pounds at the NFL Combine.
2021: CB Jaycee Horn, eighth overall pick
Horn is a standout cornerback, but injuries have limited him. He has played just 16 games in the past two seasons.
A foot fracture cost him 14 games of his rookie year in 2021.
In 2022, Horn started 13 games. However, two injuries forced him to miss time: A rib injury in Week 5 kept him out two games. A broken hand injury ended Horn’s 2022 season.
Horn is the son of former New Orleans Saints star wide receiver Joe Horn.
2020: DT Derrick Brown, seventh overall pick
Brown posted several career highs in the 2022 season, including combined tackles (67), quarterback hits (12) and passes defended (seven).
Brown’s 67 tackles stand as a single-season franchise record for a defensive tackle.
The Panthers have until May 1 to officially pick up Brown’s fifth-year option for the 2024 season. Brown would be owed about $11.7 million in 2024 if the team picks up the option.
Brown has stayed healthy too. He’s played in 49 out of a possible 50 games during his NFL career.
2019: Edge rusher Brian Burns, 16th overall pick
Speaking of fifth-year options, the Panthers decided to pick up Burns’ fifth-year option for the 2023 season, which is worth $16.01 million.
The Panthers will likely try to sign Burns to a long-term deal considering reports indicated they turned down proposed trades that would have gotten them two first-round picks in exchange for Burns ahead of the 2022 NFL trade deadline.
Burns has made the Pro Bowl in 2021 and 2022. At the age of 25, Burns is starting to enter his prime.
2018: WR D.J. Moore, 24th overall pick
Moore was part of March’s blockbuster trade with the Chicago Bears, which helped the Panthers acquire the first overall pick of the 2023 draft.
In five seasons with the Panthers, Moore eclipsed 1,110 receiving yards in three of them. Moore is expected to be a reliable target for Bears third-year quarterback Justin Fields.
Moore faced criticism for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in what appeared to be a game-winning catch against the Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 30, 2022. He hauled in a 62-yard touchdown catch and ripped off his helmet in celebration. It led to a 15-yard penalty, a subsequent missed extra point and Panthers’ 37-34 loss in overtime.
2017: RB Christian McCaffrey, eighth overall pick
In October 2022, the Panthers traded McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a second-round pick in 2023, a third-round pick in 2023, a fourth-round pick in 2023 and a fifth-round pick in 2024.
McCaffrey finally made it through a full season healthy, playing all 17 games in his time with the Panthers and 49ers. He helped the 49ers make it to the NFC Championship game.
Injuries limited McCaffrey to seven games in 2021 and three games in 2020.
In 2023, McCaffrey will reunite with former Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold, who signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the 49ers in the offseason. Darnold will compete with Brock Purdy and Trey Lance, who had injuries of their own last season.
2016: DT Vernon Butler, 30th overall pick
Since leaving the Panthers after the 2019 season, Butler has played for the Buffalo Bills (2020-2021) and New York Giants (2022).
2015: LB Shaq Thompson, 25th overall pick
The Panthers are moving to a 3-4 defensive front (three defensive linemen and four linebackers) in the 2023 season under new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, but Thompson will remain a constant.
Thompson reworked his contract this offseason. He will carry a cap number of $14.06 million in 2023 and $6.66 million in 2024 before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2025.
Thompson’s new deal also includes three voided years, running from 2025 - 2027. Those will carry cap hits of $3.18 million, $1.06 million and $1.06 million, respectively.
In 2022, Thompson set a career-high with 135 total tackles. He’s had at least 100 tackles in each of the last four seasons.
2014: WR Kelvin Benjamin, 28th overall pick
The Florida State receiver had his best NFL season as a rookie in 2014 when he had 1,008 yards and 73 receptions on 145 targets.
Benjamin last played an NFL game in the 2018 season. He’s bounced around since the Panthers traded him to the Buffalo Bills in 2017.
Benjamin played for the Bills and Kansas City Chiefs in 2018. He signed with the New York Giants in May 2021, but was cut in July 2021.
2013: DT Star Lotulelei, 14th overall pick
Lotulelei played for the Panthers from 2013-2017 and the Bills from 2018-2021.
The Bills released Lotulelei in March 2022.
2012: LB Luke Kuechly, Ninth overall pick
Kuechly spent all eight of his NFL seasons with the Panthers. He earned first-team All-Pro five times (2013-2015, 2017-2018) and second-team All-Pro twice (2016, 2019).
Kuechly was also the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2013, becoming the youngest player in league history to win the award. He was a key member of the 2015 Panthers team that lost to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50.
In January 2020, Kuechly announced his retirement. During his career, Kuechly missed seven games due to concussions.
2011: QB Cam Newton, First overall pick
The 2015 NFL MVP played for the Panthers from 2011-2019 and again in 2021.
Newton was named to three Pro Bowls (2011, 2013 and 2015). He is the NFL all-time leader in career quarterback rushing touchdowns (75) and second in career quarterback rushing yards (5,628).
Weeks ago, Newton threw at Auburn’s Pro Day to try to make an NFL comeback.
2008: RB Jonathan Stewart, 13th overall pick
Stewart played for the Panthers from 2008-2017, making the Pro Bowl in 2015. He spent one season with the New York Giants in 2018.
In April 2019, Stewart retired as a member of the Panthers.
During his career with the Panthers, Stewart paired with running back DeAngelo Williams.
In 2009, Williams and Stewart became the first running back duo since the 1970 merger to rush for 1,110 yards each (with Stewart rushing for 1,133 yards).
2008: OT Jeff Otah, 19th overall pick
Otah played for the Panthers from 2008-2011, making 29 career starts.
In 2012, Otah was traded to the New York Jets for an undisclosed draft pick. However, Otah couldn’t pass a physical. After failing two physicals, the trade got voided.
The Panthers released Otah a few days later.
2007: LB Jon Beason, 25th overall pick
Beason played for the Panthers from 2007-2013 and for the Giants from 2013-2015. He was named to the Pro Bowl three times (2008-2010).
In July 2011, Beason became the highest-paid middle linebacker in NFL history. The deal was worth up to $50 million over five years with $25 million guaranteed.
2006: RB DeAngelo Williams, 27th overall pick
Williams played for the Panthers from 2006-2014 and for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2015-2016.
Williams was known for pairing with Stewart during his playing career.
2005: LB Thomas Davis, 14th overall pick
Davis had a 16-year NFL career, playing for the Panthers (2005-2018), the Los Angeles Chargers (2019) and the Washington Football Team (2020).
Davis is the Panthers’ career leader with 789 solo tackles. He also ranks fourth among Panthers players in games played (176).
2004: DB Chris Gamble, 28th overall pick
Gamble played for the Panthers from 2004-2012.
He had 508 total tackles, 27 interceptions, three defensive touchdowns, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and 96 pass deflections.
2003: OT Jordan Gross, Eighth overall pick
Gross played for the Panthers from 2003-2013. He was a three-time All-Pro player (2008, 2010 and 2013).
In February 2014, Gross retired from the NFL. He now works for The Panthers Network as a sideline reporter.
2002: DE Julius Peppers, Second overall pick
Peppers was one of the best edge rushers in the NFL during his 17-year career. He was named a first-team All- Pro player three times (2004, 2006 and 2010) and second-team All-Pro player three times (2008, 2009 and 2012).
Peppers was a key player on the Panthers 2003 team that lost to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 38.
After leaving the Panthers to play for the Bears (2010-2013) and Green Bay Packers (2014-2016), Peppers returned to Carolina in 2017-2018 for the final two years of his NFL career.
Peppers is the Panthers’ career leader in sacks (97) and tackles for a loss (107).
2001: LB Dan Morgan, 11th overall pick
Morgan now serves as the assistant general manager of the Panthers, a role he started in May 2021.
As a player, Morgan played for the Panthers from 2001-2007. He was named first-team All-Pro in 2004.
In Super Bowl 38, Morgan set a Super Bowl record with 18 tackles (11 solo, seven assists).
Morgan tried to play for the New Orleans Saints in 2008 and 2009, but injuries prevented him from ever appearing in a game for the team.
2000: CB Rashard Anderson, 23rd overall pick
In July 2022, the team announced Anderson died in Mississippi. He was 45.
The Panthers selected Anderson out of Jackson State with the 23rd overall pick of the 2000 NFL Draft.
Anderson played for the Panthers from 2000-2001, appearing in 27 games and making nine starts.
In his two-year NFL career, Anderson had 75 tackles, one interception, six pass deflections, a forced fumble, three fumble recoveries and one defensive touchdown.
1998: Defensive end Jason Peter, 14th overall pick
Peter played for the Panthers from 1998-2001. His career was shortened by a recurring and chronic neck stinger.
1997: WR Rae Carruth, 27th overall pick
Rae Carruth played for the Panthers from 1997-1999.
In October 2018, Carruth was released from prison after spending nearly 19 years for conspiring to kill his girlfriend, who was eight months pregnant with their child.
1996: RB Tim Biakabutuka, Eighth overall pick
Biakabutuka played for the Panthers from 1996-2001. He ran for 2,530 yards and 14 touchdowns.
1995: QB Kerry Collins, Fifth overall pick
Collins played for six teams in his 17-year NFL career:
- 1995-1998: Panthers
- 1998: Saints
- 1999-2003: Giants
- 2004-2005: Oakland Raiders
- 2006-2010: Tennessee Titans
- 2011: Indianapolis Colts
Collins was the first player ever chosen by the Panthers in the annual college draft.
In his three seasons with the Panthers, Collins threw for 7,295 yards, 39 touchdowns and 49 interceptions. His completion percentage was 52.6% and his quarterback rating was 65.6.
Collins was the quarterback for the Panthers during the 1996 season, when the team made the NFC Championship Game.
1995: DB Tyrone Poole, 22nd overall pick
Poole played for five teams during his 13-year NFL career:
- 1995-1997: Panthers
- 1998-2000: Indianapolis Colts
- 2001-2002: Denver Broncos
- 2003-2005: New England Patriots
- 2006: Raiders
1995: OT Blake Brockermeyer, 29th overall pick
Brockermeyer played for the Panthers (1995-1998), Bears (1999-2001) and Broncos (2002-2003).
