Who will be the first to be called by the Panthers?

Four times in the past five years, the quarterback has been the first player to be selected in the NFL Draft, and all indications are that he will be again this year. Will it be Bryce Young or CJ Stroud?

The Carolina Panthers made a big deal with the Chicago Bears to get their hands in first place to get their quarterback ready to play as soon as possible.

Panthers have signed veteran Andy Dalton to a two-year contract who can mentor the young quarterback. The Panthers appear to be particularly interested in OSU’s CJ Stroud and University of Alabama’s Bryce Young, but they also have their eye on Anthony Richardson from the Florida Gators and Will Levis from Kentucky.

Since the end of last season, seven teams have already traded their first-round picks. There may be more changes between now and Thursday evening.

In addition to the Panthers, the Texans and Colts, who are recruiting in the second and fourth ranks, are looking for a playmaker for the upcoming seasons. Texans can also be tempted to look to defending fighting quarterback Will Anderson.

Will Anderson (No. 31), University of Alabama

Photo: Getty Images/Brandon Sumrall

At number three, the Arizona Cardinals would rather look for a player who would satisfy quarterback Kyler Murray by demanding a wide receiver or offensive lineman. They can also trade this selection, if they think they can improve in some other way. Their defense needs help in multiple positions, whether it’s a defensive back or a quarterback chasing to replace retired veteran JJ Watt.

Canadian record?

Six names stand out among Canadian players eligible to participate in the draft. If they were all called up, it would be a record, as the previous mark is four Canadians claimed in 2014 (the year Laurent Duvernay-Tardif was selected) and in 2021.

Matthew Bergeron

Photo: Radio Canada/Pascal Rathe

Victoriaville offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron is the highest-ranked by most observers, but four other names are often mentioned, including twins Chase and Sidney Brown of London, Ont.

The two brothers aren’t really rivals, having played in opposite positions at the University of Illinois.

Chase Brown during the Senior Bowl in February 2023

Photo: USA TODAY SPORTS/Vasha Hunt

Chase Brown is the fourth-ranked running back in the NCAA with 1,643 rushing yards. Scored 10 rushing touchdowns and 3 rushing touchdowns. He was a finalist for the Doak-Walker Award as the best rusher in American football.

Brown was also awarded the John Cornish Trophy, which is awarded to the best Canadian player in American college football.

His brother Sidney is a defensive back who has 59 tackles and 6 interceptions, highs in the Big Ten League. the big The brother (who is four centimeters taller than Chase) was chosen as the star of the first team.

Defensive end Tavius ​​Robinson of Guelph, Ont. He impressed many during his time at the University of Mississippi. Highly athletic, the 1.98 m, 120 kg (6 ft 6 in, 265 lb) big boy had 44 tackles and 7 sacks in his final college season.

Sir Sue during the NFL evaluation camp

Photo: USA TODAY SPORTS/Kirby Lee

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A second Quebecer got to hear his name over the weekend. He’s the offensive lineman Sir Soo, from Bromont. He played at Eastern Michigan University and was named to the league’s all-star team, as well as being invited to the NFL evaluation camp.

Finally, University of Pittsburgh wide receiver Jared Wayne, of Peterborough, Ontario, also received an invitation to evaluation camp after breaking the 1,000-yard plateau in his final college season.