Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer claims the team has not chosen the No. 1 pick.
In a pre-draft news conference Tuesday, Fitterer claimed the club had clarity on its possibilities but hadn't reached a conclusion with their board still unfinished
"Obviously, through this whole, since February, the combine, everything else, there's been some clarity," he remarked. But we've tried to be open-minded and consistent throughout the process.
Today's group is last. We'll meet with the coaches Wednesday and Thursday to make a decision, but we've gained some clarity through this process."
Tuesday sees the Panthers welcome C.J. Stroud and Will Levis.
The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner's Monday cancellation of his pre-draft visits bolstered the expectation that the Panthers would take Alabama quarterback Bryce Young.
Fitterer denied telling Young he'd be chosen. However, the Panthers GM said he's delighted the team moved into a place where he can pick and choose.
"I'd hate being No. 9 right now trying to figure this out," he remarked.
Given Carolina head coach Frank Reich's preference for larger quarterbacks, Young's approach was questioned early in the draft.
Fitterer said the Panthers' pick won't be expected to instantly shift the franchise's direction. It's teamwork.
"It's not like we're expecting this quarterback to come in and instantly just make everything happen," he added. "Everything changes instantly. Jalen Hurts and Josh Allen are examples.
We won't request anything they can't perform. We'll ask them to play their game, deliver the ball, and make good readings and judgments. That's why we've focused on No. 1."
We'll know the Panthers' top pick—Young or not—in nine days.