2023 NFL Draft: Carolina Panthers GM Scott Fitterer discusses 'conviction' on multiple QBs available

The 2023 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and the debate over which quarterback will come off the board as the No. 1 overall pick is still up for debate. For now, the debate over which team will make that selection is settled.

Following the NFL Combine, the Carolina Panthers traded with the Chicago Bears to acquire the top pick in this year’s draft. With a price as steep as it was, all expectations are that the Panthers will select a QB for new head coach Frank Reich.

In a Monday press conference, Carolina GM Scott Fitterer more or less confirmed the plan is to go with a QB with the top pick. He said the Panthers “have conviction” regarding multiple QBs available in this draft.

Fitterer also confirmed the signing of Andy Dalton is related to the veteran leadership of the QB. The franchise believes that type of experience will help support a rookie QB making the transition.

As for which QBs the team is considering, Fitterer says that Reich does not put limitations on what to look for at the position. That could include height and Alabama’s Bryce Young measuring in around 5-foot-10 at the NFL Combine.

Here’s a sampling of everything Fitterer had to say about the QB class on Monday:

Panthers GM Scott Fitterer says the Panthers “have conviction” on multiple QBs at the top of the draft, which is why they traded up.

Still going through the process, but they “feel good about the group up top.”

— Augusta Stone (@augustalstone) March 20, 2023

Scott Fitterer says they signed Andy Dalton due to his leadership and the fact he played as a rookie. That experience will help support the QB they draft.

— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) March 20, 2023

Panthers GM Scott Fitterer says coach Frank Reich has never put a limitation on what to look for in a quarterback, say Alabama’s Bryce Young being only 5-10 when Reich has only coached tall quarterbacks.

— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) March 20, 2023

Panthers GM Scott Fitterer on what they’re looking for in a QB: Leadership, process quickly, accuracy, running the team, managing the game, little things right during the week.

Calls Frank Reich, Josh McCown, Jim Caldwell “experts” who will be relied on through the process.

— Augusta Stone (@augustalstone) March 20, 2023