Nov 19, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
If you only paid attention to the Carolina Panthers for the early portion of the 2024 season, you may think that this franchise is in a state of hopelessness. Former first-overall pick Bryce Young was benched midseason in favor of Andy Dalton, and rookie head coach Dave Canales looked inept. In the second half of the year, the tides started to turn for Carolina. Together, Bryce Young and Dave Canales led an offense that scored nearly 25 points per game across the final seven weeks of the season. For the first time in a while, there is a real sense of hope surrounding the Panthers. This offseason, Carolina will look to add to this momentum by acquiring talent through free agency and the draft. Here is a three-round Carolina Panthers mock draft:
Round 1, Pick 8: Malaki Starks, Georgia S
Put simply, the Carolina Panthers need to add talent on defense. They allowed the most points in the NFL in 2024 by a wide margin. In a deep class of defensive prospects, Carolina may elect to draft the best defensive player available in the first round, regardless of position. Georgia Safety Malaki Starks may be that player. Starks is a versatile safety, able to defend the run and the pass at a high level. Carolina could choose to use him in the nickel or at deep safety.
Round 2, Pick 58: Jayden Higgins, Iowa State WR
Adam Thielen led the Panthers in receiving yards in 2024 with just 615. As Thielen ages out, the Panthers will need to add production to their receiver room. Iowa State wideout Jayden Higgins is a big-bodied and fast receiver who could add a much-needed explosive element to the Panthers’ offense. At 6’4″ and 210 lbs, Higgins is one of the better deep threats in this year’s class. Higgins finished the 2024 season with 1,183 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
Round 3, Pick 74: Josaiah Stewart, Michigan ED
No player on the Panthers had more than 5.5 sacks this season. This defense consistently struggled to put pressure on opposing passers. If Carolina waits until the third round to address the defensive front, they should take a good look at Michigan edge rusher Josaiah Stewart. Stewart is slightly undersized at 6’1″, 245 lbs, but he possesses the explosivity off the edge to become a dangerous pass rusher. Stewart logged 8.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in his final season at Michigan.
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