NEWSLETTER
A Panthers-Only Mock Draft: The Carolina Panthers enter the 2024 NFL Draft at a crossroads. After trading away star pass rusher Brian Burns, they boast two valuable second-round picks but lack a first-rounder. This creates a unique opportunity for the Panthers to address multiple needs and build a well-rounded roster. Here’s a breakdown of their potential selections in the first three rounds:
Mock Draft – Round 2, Pick 33: Graham Barton, OL, Duke
The Panthers prioritize their offensive line with the first pick, selecting interior lineman Graham Barton from Duke. The 6’5″, 313-pound center is known for his intelligence, leadership, and anchor presence. Barton boasts a strong foundation and excels in both run blocking and pass protection.
Why Barton in our Mock Draft?
The Panthers’ offensive line was a liability in 2023. Bryce Young, their young quarterback, faced constant pressure, hindering his development. While they addressed the tackle positions over the past few years, the interior line remains a concern. Barton’s arrival adds a reliable presence in the middle, allowing them to solidify their entire O-Line.
Strengths:
Overall, Barton is a plug-and-play starter who can elevate the Panthers’ offensive line immediately. He brings intelligence, leadership, and physicality, providing much-needed stability for Bryce Young and the offense.
Mock Draft – Round 2, Pick 39: Darius Robinson, Edge, Missouri
With their second-round pick (acquired from the Giants in the Burns trade), the Panthers address their pass-rush woes by selecting edge defender Darius Robinson from Missouri. Robinson is a relentless pass rusher known for his explosiveness as well as his run stop.
Why Robinson in our Mock Draft?
The departure of Brian Burns left a significant hole in the Panthers’ pass rush. While they have solid veterans on the roster, Robinson offers long-term potential and upside. His ability to generate pressure off the edge, while also bringing elite run-stopping skills.
Strengths:
Darius Robinson has the potential to be a dynamic pass rusher. His explosiveness and bend are enticing, and he fits perfectly into the Panthers’ scheme. Pairing Robinson with Clowney could be a way to see this defense get more pressure in 2024.
Mock Draft – Round 3, Pick 65: Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama
In the third round, the Panthers bolster their receiving corps by selecting explosive wide receiver Jermaine Burton from Alabama. Burton is a speedy receiver who enjoyed a very nice senior year with the Crimson Tide.
Why Burton in our Mock Draft?
The Panthers’ receiving corps lacks a true number-one target. While they have a couple of decent options at the top, they need another reliable receiver to create mismatches for opposing defenses. Burton’s speed, skill, and athleticism make him a perfect complement to Johnson and Theilen.
Strengths:
Carolina Panthers Draft Needs in 2024: Rebuilding for Success
The Carolina Panthers head into the 2024 NFL Draft with a clear mandate: address key deficiencies and build a roster capable of contending in the competitive NFC South. While the recent trade of Brian Burns netted them valuable draft capital, it also exposed a glaring need on defense. Let’s delve into the Panthers’ most pressing draft needs and why we went with who we did in the Mock Draft:
1. Offensive Line:
Despite boasting talented skill players on offense, the Panthers struggled in 2023 due to an inconsistent offensive line. Quarterback Bryce Young faced constant pressure, hindering his development and impacting the overall offensive efficiency. Ikem Ekwonu hasn’t been the impact player they had hoped for yet, and constant injuries meant that a ton of different players started at the two guard positions over the course of the season.
2. Edge Rusher:
The trade of Brian Burns created a significant void in the Panthers’ pass rush. The signing of Jadeveon Clowney certainly helps here but, the team could still use help to develop a consistent edge threat. Finding a player who can generate pressure opposite Clowney is crucial for improving a defense that struggled to get after the quarterback in 2023.
3. Wide Receiver:
The Panthers lack a true number-one wide receiver option. Diontae Johnson and Adam Theilen are atop the depth chart for WR right now. Adding a receiver who can consistently win one-on-one matchups and create separation would help open up the offense for Young. Ideally, the Panthers need a receiver with size and athleticism who can excel in both the short and deep passing game.
4. Defensive Backfield:
The Panthers have a solid starting safety in Xavier Woods and Jaycee Horn is a high-end starter at cornerback. But, after that it’s a bit thin, depth throughout the secondary is a concern.
5. Linebacker:
The Panthers’ linebacker situation is a work in progress. While Shaq Thompson remains a valuable asset, the team lacks a true sideline-to-sideline linebacker who can excel in coverage. Additionally, depth at the position is lacking.
Overall, this is a team that finished with the worst record in the league. What do you expect? They have a ton of holes to fill and will be undergoing yet another regime change this season, we tried to fill in the best we could in the Mock Draft. It may be a long year in Charlotte so hopefully, they find some talent in the draft that can be viewed as bright spots in what is likely another tough season.
