Panthers are one dinner away from making worst possible decision at No. 1

The Panthers are reportedly targeting one more rookie quarterback ahead of the draft, and their fanbase isn’t going to be happy.

The Carolina Panthers have the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, so naturally they have to do their due diligence on making the best choice.

The franchise has been linked to Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Anthony Richardson, and they may as well throw the last talented prospect into the mix: Kentucky’s Will Levis.

According to Albert Breer, the Panthers will be having dinner with Levis on Friday night; a host of Carolina executives plan to be at the table including franchise owners David and Nicole Tepper, general manager Scott Fitterer, and head coach Frank Reich.

Considered a tier below his peers in Young and Stroud, Levis nonetheless boasts ideal physical measurables and may even possess a bit of charm to knock the socks off of the Panthers brass.

Panthers are having dinner with Kentucky QB Will Levis

Aside from the Panthers, it’s worth noting that other NFL teams have also expressed interest in Levis: the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans will be at Levis’ pro day in Lexington on Wednesday.

Both Seattle and Tennessee pose as quarterback-needy teams in 2023 with the Titans arguably in a slightly more desperate situation. While the Seahawks hold the fifth overall pick, the Titans pick out of the top ten at 11th overall and will need to pray Levis falls down to them (barring a picks trade).

With the No. 1 overall pick, Carolina probably isn’t going to use it on an unproven passer like Levis. Young and Stroud seem like the safer bets.

One can imagine the level of outrage that would arise from taking Levis with the first selection, as it would quite possibly be the franchise’s worst decision in recent history and the worst way to start the Frank Reich era.

The end of April should hold more answers.