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The 2023 NFL season is officially over. It is draft season! The Carolina Panthers had a season to forget, and things aren’t looking bright in the near future. They traded up last season to get Bryce Young first overall. C.J. Stroud looks like a future Hall of Famer. They won a single game this year, which put them as the number-one overall pick again. However, that pick is owed to the Chicago Bears. What can this team do in the draft? Here is the Carolina Panthers 2024 NFL Draft guide.
Carolina Panthers 2024 NFL Draft Picks
The Carolina Panthers have six picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
- Round 2: No. 33 overall
- Round 3: No. 65 overall
- Round 4: No. 102 overall
- Round 5: No. 141 overall (via Tennessee)
- Round 5: No. 165 overall (via San Francisco)
- Round 6: No. 180 overall (via Arizona)
The Carolina Panthers don’t pick until the second round. If not for some trades, they would have limited draft capital. The big focus is the loss of the number one overall pick. Last year’s trade will go down in NFL history as one of the most lopsided trades. The Chicago Bears have a bright future, whereas things look very bleak for the Panthers. However, between free agency and the draft, there is potential.
Carolina Panthers NFL Draft Needs
The Carolina Panthers need the following positions: Everything
I’m only half-joking. Obviously, there are higher priority needs, but the Panthers need a total revamp of the roster. They made the Bryce Young pick, and now they have to build around his skill set. The offensive line and wide receiver are the biggest needs. Young has to be protected better than he was in 2023. It doesn’t matter how good of a quarterback you are if you don’t have time to throw the ball.
In terms of the wide receiver position, it isn’t great when Adam Theilen is the team’s leading receiver in 2023. Theilen is a fine veteran, but his prime is behind him. The team needs a dynamic pass-catcher to pair with their young quarterback. There are defensive needs as well. Brian Burns has been in trade rumors for two years, and Jaycee Horn is chronically injured. They need help everywhere.
Mock Draft
Mock drafts are done on NFL Mock Draft Database. No trades were executed. Obviously, teams tend to wheel and deal, but this is meant to give a look at what the team can do with the draft capital they currently have.
Carolina Panthers Mock Draft
- Round 2: No. 33 overall Graham Barton IOL Duke
- Round 3: No. 65 overall Cooper Beebe IOL Kansas State
- Round 4: No. 102 overall Jonathon Brooks RB Texas
- Round 5: No. 141 overall Jamari Thrash WR Louisville
- Round 5: No. 165 overall Ainias Williams WR Texas A&M
- Round 6: No. 180 overall Roger Rosengarton OT Washington
Mock Draft Analysis
I focused exclusively on offense. Instead of trying to make small changes everywhere, the Carolina Panthers can make a big change on the offensive side of the ball. Barton and Beebe could start in week one, and Rosengarton was on an award-winning offensive line in Washington. Again, the goal is to protect Bryce Young. One of these players is bound to hit.
The Carolina Panthers also upgrade their skill positions. Brooks is one of the top running backs in the class. If Carolina had a stronger running game, it would take a lot of pressure off of Young. There is a reason the Eagles let Miles Sanders walk. Thrash and Williams are high-upside receivers. Between those two and second-year receiver Jonathan Mingo, one of them is bound to pan out.
It doesn’t look good for the Carolina Panthers right now. However, a good draft can change everything. Another piece of good news? If they finish with the worst record in the league again, they will get to pick first in 2025.
