The Carolina Panthers are coming off one of the worst seasons in franchise history. You can make arguments blaming former head coach Frank Reich, owner David Tepper or specific players not playing well. Either way, they head into Year 2 of the Bryce Young era with new head coach Dave Canales. Hopes are high for a better season, but mainly because when you finish as the worst team in the league, there isn’t much lower you can go.
2024 Mock Draft: Carolina Panthers
Key Offseason Additions
WR Diontae Johnson
LB Josey Jewell
DT A’Shawn Robinson
CB Dane Jackson
RG Robert Hunt
EDGE D.J. Wonnum
EDGE Jadeveon Clowney
Key Offseason Losses
EDGE Brian Burns
TE Hayden Hurst
CB Donte Jackson
S Vonn Bell
S Jeremy Chinn
C Bradley Bozeman
CB C.J. Henderson
EDGE Frankie Luvu
EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos
Carolina’s First Three Picks
Round 1 —Panthers do not currently have a 2024 first
Carolina included this selection when moving up for Bryce Young last season. The Panthers could try and put together a package to move up from the first pick in the second round, but they really shouldn’t, as they need all the draft capital they can get right now as they try and rebuild.
Round 2, Pick 1 — Xavier Worthy, WR
The Panthers could look at moving back here to gather some more picks, but they shouldn’t move very far. Using PFN’s mock draft simulator, Carolina is on the clock at No. 33 with two wide receiver options that may be too tough to pass up. Florida State’s Keon Coleman and Texas’ Xavier Worthy. The latter set the NFL Combine record for a 40-yard dash this year. I think both wideouts are talented, but Worthy would help Young stretch the field alongside Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen.
Round 2, Pick 7 — Jordan Morgan, OT
Carolina has this draft choice after trading Brian Burns to the New York Giants. The Panthers’ needs include EDGE and offensive tackle, but with the signing of Clowney and Wonnum and the presence of Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton, an EDGE rusher or OT taken here would just serve as depth. I don’t hate the pick of either, as the Panthers need depth and to get younger.
The way the mock draft fell, Arizona OT Jordan Morgan was available.
Round 3, Pick 1 — Payton Wilson, LB
One thing that is true about the Panthers is that they love homegrown talent. The way that PFN’s mock fell, South Carolina WR Xavier Leggette is available. He could join two other Gamecocks on the roster in Clowney and Wonnum, but I think that Carolina doesn’t double up after getting Worthy at No. 33.
Instead, I think Ekwonu welcomes a fellow member of the NC State Wolfpack to the team, and the Panthers select linebacker Payton Wilson. Carolina added Josey Jewell along with Clowney and Wonnum, and he and Shaq Thompson could serve as mentors to Wilson, who is used to dropping into coverage.