The Carolina Panthers acquired the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft from the Chicago Bears, and it drastically shifted the quarterback odds.
The Chicago Bears are no longer the holders of the first-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. That now belongs to the Carolina Panthers, after they gave the Bears multiple draft picks over the next three years and wide receiver D.J. Moore. It is quite obvious that the Panthers made this move to get into prime position to take their pick of the top four quarterback prospects, as they don’t have to worry about a team leaping over them.
For those looking at an odds perspective as to which quarterback will be selected first, they have shifted.
Prior to the trade, DraftKings sportsbook had Alabama’s Bryce Young as the favorite with -160 odds. But after the Panthers acquired the No. 1 overall pick, Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud is now the favorite with -160 odds.
C.J. Stroud now odds-on favorite to be selected first after Panthers trade for No. 1 pick
Ahead of the trade, Stroud had +180 odds to be selected first, and is now sitting at -160. This isn’t definitive, as there is over a month remaining until the opening night of the 2023 NFL Draft on Apr. 27.
Young is considered the top quarterback prospect in this year’s draft. He shined during his time starting for the Crimson Tide, where he led the team to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game and won the Heisman Trophy during the 2021 season. While he has the ability to make throws and sense defensive pressure, his height is an area of concern for scouts and analysts. He was listed at 5-foot-10 at the Scouting Combine, and there are teams that have a preference for a tall quarterback.
As for Stroud, he has the prototypical quarterback height at 6-foot-3. But, he has the ability to make incredibly accurate throws and run for huge yardage. He ended his college career with an impressive performance in the Peach Bowl against the Georgia Bulldogs.
It will ultimately be up to the Panthers brass and coaching staff to decide who they want to be their starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. As of now, Stroud is the favorite, but that can change in the coming days.
