The No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft is the last man standing in Charlotte.
On Tuesday, the Carolina Panthers announced the release of guard Chandler Zavala. The 27-year-old was let go from the practice squad to help make room for the additions of fellow interior offensive lineman Isaia Glass and 2026 UFL Defensive Player of the Year and outside linebacker Cam Gill.
Carolina has now parted ways with Zavala twice this season, with the first cut coming back in late August. But now that he's been ousted from the practice squad, the former fourth-round pick could be done around these parts for good—especially considering how hard up the team currently is for offensive line depth.
With that said, quarterback Bryce Young is (again) the Panthers'
only remaining selection from their 2023 draft class. Zavala's depature was preceded by those of second-round wide receiver Jonathan Mingo, third-round outside linebacker DJ Johnson and fifth-round safety Jammie Robinson.
Although whiffing on four of five picks isn't exactly ideal, it's looking more and more like the organization got the most important one correct. Young is off to the best start of his four-year career—as he's passed for seven touchdowns, two interceptions and a league-leading 939 yards through Week 3.
This class may remind Panthers fans of the group from 2011, led by another No. 1 overall pick and quarterback Cam Newton. After taking Newton, Carolina stocked up with defensive linemen Terrell McClain and Sione Fua, defensive back Brandon Hogan, wide receiver Kealoha Pilares, linebacker Lawrence Wilson and offensive linemen Zachary Williams and Lee Ziemba—none of whom panned out in the pros.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Bryce Young is, again, only remaining pick from Panthers' 2023 draft class
