The Carolina Panthers have met with C.J. Stroud and plan to meet again before the NFL Draft. Will the Ohio State passer be the No. 1 pick in 2023?

Signs are mounting that the Carolina Panthers will use their No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Tom Pelissero of the “NFL Network” reports that Panthers officials met with the passer on Tuesday in advance of today’s pro day. Another meeting is expected to take place before the draft.

The Panthers met with Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud on Tuesday in advance of today’s pro day throwing session and plan to have another private meeting with Stroud before the draft in Charlotte, per sources. A thorough process as Carolina ponders the No. 1 pick. pic.twitter.com/2f9iU4b2hq

– Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 22, 2023

The Panthers had just poached the No. 1 pick from the Chicago Bears last week. In return, 9th pick 2023, 61st pick 2023, first-round pick 2024 and second-round pick 2025 and wide receiver DJ Moore moved to the Bears.

With this heavy investment, Carolina was expected to look for their future franchise quarterback. In addition to Ohio State’s Stroud, Bryce Young (Alabama), Will Levis (Kentucky) and Anthony Richardson (Florida) are also considered possible candidates.

It’s quite possible, however, that Stroud has the edge at the moment. The 21-year-old set several records with the Ohio State Buckeyes, including for most passing yards in a single game (573 yards), and he also became the first player from that university to throw six touchdown passes in each of three games.

Stroud was also one of the finalists for the Heisman Trophy in 2021 and 2022.