The Carolina Panthers made an aggressive move to trade up for the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to acquire a franchise quarterback. Now, they’ve started interviewing potential targets.
The Panthers met with quarterback C.J. Stroud (scouting report) on Tuesday in advance of Ohio State’s pro day on Wednesday and will meet with him again before the draft, NFL Media reported. Ohio State’s pro day begins at 11 a.m. ET, with NFL Network’s live event coverage slated to start around 2 p.m. ET.
Stroud is expected to participate in throwing drills and complete some athletic tests he didn’t do at the 2023 NFL Combine. In Indianapolis, Stroud only participated in the throwing portion of the workout.
The Panthers are expected to bring as many as 11 team representatives to Columbus for the workout. Stroud is one of many high-end prospects who will perform on Wednesday. The showcase will include other potential early-round picks, Jaxon Smith-Njigba (scouting report), Paris Johnson (scouting report), Dawand Jones (scouting report) and Zach Harrison (scouting report).
>>READ: Stroud is a Future Franchise QB
In total, 14 former Ohio State players will work out on Wednesday — with one notable current Buckeye slated to pitch in. Highly touted wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is expected to catch passes for Stroud during the workout, giving teams an early look at one of the most sought-after prospects eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft.
The 21-year-old Stroud has been linked to the Panthers since the Chicago Bears dealt the top pick to Carolina. In a news conference on Monday, Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer said the team was keeping all options open regarding the No. 1 overall pick.
The 33rd Team’s latest mock draft has the Panthers selecting the Ohio State product with the first pick. The Panthers traded two first-round selections, two second-round selections and wide receiver DJ Moore for the right to make the draft’s top choice.
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