Panthers 2023 mock draft 5.0: The Panthers go big or go home!

The team's astounding purchase of the top overall pick in 2023 was simply the most recent—and possibly biggest—success of an audacious summer. The Panthers are putting everything on the line, from assembling an all-star coaching staff to taking charge of the 2017 NFL draft.

Thus, for our most recent mock, we'll stick to that strategy. Let's take a chance and aim for some of the most alluring upside this year.

Pick No. 1 (First round): Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

Although CJ Stroud may toss the nicest ball and Bryce Young may exhibit the greatest elegance, neither player has the best potential in the class. Richardson, though, is the true owner of that faculty.

The 6-foot-4, 244-pound dynamo put on one of the greatest quarterback-specific combine performances in history. He received a 10.00 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) for his record-breaking testing, which also nearly filled up his whole MockDraftable site.

Richardson is the most effective passer in the draft thanks to his strong arm, electric legs, and alien-like athleticism. But is all of that sufficient to forgive his inexperience as a starter and his erratic throwing mechanics?

Pick No. 39 (Second round): Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee

This young man, who some have compared to DeSean Jackson and Panthers fans have compared to Ted Ginn Jr. from 2015, may be the best home run hitter in the game in 2023.

Hyatt is significantly tall for his size at six feet tall and 176 pounds. This makes him a threat whenever he's on the field and might provide Carolina with the burners they've been looking for at the position, along with his also very noticeable speed.

Pick No. 93 (Third round): A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest

In case you missed it, the Panthers had to give up DJ Moore in exchange for the top pick. Hence, to cover the gap, we might see a double-dip.

The 6-foot-3 Perry could definitely contribute and provide the position with some much-needed height. He has the potential to develop into an extraordinarily strong X receiver in the pros thanks to his enormous catch radius, control over his above-average length, and ability to separate with or without the rock.

Pick No. 114 (Fourth round): Zach Harrison, DE, Ohio State

Take a look at this guy's arms for length.

Harrison is a physical specimen, standing 6 feet 5 inches tall, weighing 274 pounds, and having a wingspan of 85.5 inches. In Carolina's new 3-4 structure, his astonishing athleticism for his size makes him an intriguing choice as a defensive end.

Pick No. 132 (Fourth round): Keaton Mitchell, RB, East Carolina

Mitchell—obviously—isn't the largest back you can find at 5-foot-8 and 179 pounds. But if he has the ball in his hands, good luck trying to find him.

The East Carolina star is a complete blazer and when he gets a touch, he poses an end zone threat. Hence, Mitchell is an x-factor—on the ground or even through the air—that can spark an offense, even though he might not be an every-down rusher at the next level.

Pick No. 145: Zack Kuntz, TE, Old Dominion

This 6-foot-7, 255-pound athlete's athleticism is out of this world, just like his stature. In the 40-yard dash, 10-yard split, vertical jump, broad jump, 3-cone drill, and 20-yard shuttle, Kuntz tested in the 91st percentile or higher.

The former Old Dominion Monarch and Penn State Nittany Lion didn't quite blow the box scores away like he did in the combine. Yet with a little time and work, he might blossom into the NFL's most distinctive and potent weapon.