There aren't many teams who won five or fewer games with more optimism than the Carolina Panthers heading into the offseason. That's a strange thing to say, but the improvements made over the second half of 2024 represent a shining light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
For the first offseason since David Tepper assumed ownership of the franchise, there is stability. There is no need for another head coach after Dave Canales left a tremendous impression in his first season. The Panthers have general manager Dan Morgan — someone with the purpose and professionalism to run the football operation effectively.
They also have a franchise quarterback.
Bryce Young's incredible turnaround since coming back into the starting lineup was a breath of fresh air. He displayed the resolve, poise, and composure to change his concerning narrative. More importantly, the locker room believes and he's playing with a swagger that's hard not to love.
Benching Young was a big call for Canales and Morgan to make so early into their working relationship in Carolina. They came in for criticism and faced significant backlash. However, it looks like an absolute masterstroke that can help the organization long into the future.
This benefits Morgan considerably during his second offseason. There is no need to chase the next big thing under center. The front-office leader can focus his attention on molding other position groups in pursuit of progression. If the right reinforcements arrive, the Panthers will be a trendy dark-horse pick in 2025 among the media.
Carolina Panthers need a strong draft to improve in 2025
Morgan made his intentions clear upon securing his promotion. He wants the Panthers to build through the draft and reward those who prove their worth. He got a mixed bag from his first crop of college prospects, so fans are hoping for more this spring.
The Panthers are in a solid position to find some decent prospects across the seven rounds. Morgan's trade activity throughout his tenure has Carolina at nine selections currently. That doesn't guarantee success, but it's not a bad place to start.
There is hope at long last, but the Panthers have a huge amount of hard work ahead. This roster is devoid of legitimate talent or sufficient depth. Finding veterans capable of contributing doesn't come cheap. That's why nailing this draft will do wonders for the team's chances in 2025 and beyond.
Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took a look at how the Panthers could approach their draft selections in our first offseason mock of the year.
Carolina Panthers draft Abdul Carter
- Edge Rusher | Penn State Nittany Lions
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 8
The Carolina Panthers retained defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero despite his unit conceding the most points in NFL history. They remain confident that his scheme isn't the problem. That makes revamping the playing personnel among general manager Dan Morgan's biggest priorities throughout the offseason.
This all starts upfront. Evero doesn't have the necessary quality to deploy his 3-4 defensive front successfully. Finding ways to impose a strong run defense and generate more pressure would make things easier for everybody. Expect Morgan to address this issue early in the draft.
Carolina's progress over the second half of 2024 means it'll be a waiting game to see if Abdul Carter will be available when the Panthers go on the clock at No. 8 overall. The Penn State edge rusher is a dynamic presence capable of causing havoc when firing on all cylinders. The comparisons to Dallas Cowboys' phenom Micah Parsons are obvious. That won't go unnoticed by NFL scouts and front-office personnel during their respective assessments.
There is already hot debate about whether Carter is a good scheme fit now that Evero is sticking around. However, anyone who cannot use his exceptional athletic attributes doesn't deserve to be an NFL coordinator.
Draft him and worry about the rest later.
Carolina Panthers draft Deone Walker
- Defensive Line | Kentucky Wildcats
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 54
As mentioned previously, the Panthers need more upfront on defense to rid themselves of some ongoing frustrations. They were abysmal against the run from start to finish in 2024. Having Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown back from injury will help enormously, but that's not enough.
The likes of Shy Tuttle, DeShawn Williams, and LaBryan Ray are not up to the required standard. Finding young, explosive prospects via the draft would be the best possible rectify this complication and provide long-term stability.
If Deone Walker was still available when the Panthers go on the clock in the second round, a serious discussion must be had. The Kentucky prospect is a formidable presence on the defense front at 6-foot-6 and 348 pounds. His athleticism defies belief — a jaw-dropping blend of power and explosiveness to bulldoze over anyone in his path.
Having NFL-ready mass should give Walker the core base needed to hold off blocks and give the Panthers a much-needed gap-plugger on running downs. That's exactly what's required for a team that gave up a league-worst 179.8 yards per game on the ground.
There are some technical flaws to work out and Walker might be a two-down lineman at the next level. But the positives far outweigh the negatives.
Carolina Panthers draft Kyren Lacy
- Wide Receiver | LSU Tigers
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 73
The Panthers haven't had much to cheer this season, but they achieved their primary objective. That's to find out whether quarterback Bryce Young can be the guy under center.
It was a rollercoaster ride for Young. However, a standout second half of the season left no doubt about his future with the franchise.
Young is the man. His exceptional performance in Week 18 at the Atlanta Falcons rubber-stamped his credentials. Dave Canales and Dan Morgan have full belief. Now, they must do everything possible to surround the signal-caller with everything needed to excel in Year 3.
Considering the improvements made to the offensive line, the Panthers can focus their attention on the skill positions. They have some young promise in the wideout room and Adam Thielen could have another good year in the tank. That shouldn't stop Morgan from finding reinforcements if the right opportunities present themselves.
Kyren Lacy is a name to watch late on Day 2. The LSU prospect is the latest wideout coming off the conveyor belt in Baton Rouge. He's got the size, speed, and contested catch prowess that should transition well from college to the pros. The pass-catcher also proved his worth as a red-zone threat throughout the 2024 college campaign to further boost his stock.
Once Lacy enhances his route tree, someone is going to have a tremendous player on their hands.
Carolina Panthers draft Jordan Hancock
- Cornerback | Ohio State Buckeyes
- Round No. 4 | Pick No. 109
The Carolina Panthers could use another dependable cornerback to assist in 2025 and beyond. Jaycee Horn earned his first Pro Bowl honor and should get a lucrative contract extension this offseason. Dave Canales also highlighted the desire to give Mike Jackson Sr. another deal following his successful trade before the 2024 campaign.
Chau Smith-Wade's shown promise from the nickel spot and could improve further with another strong preparation period. However, Dane Jackson's underwhelming first season in Carolina dictates another option wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
Jordan Hancock has the versatility and athleticism to potentially carve out a decent career for himself. He spent time at cornerback and safety at Ohio State, displaying sound coverage and physicality either at the line of scrimmage or a little further downfield.
Hancock is not the finished product by any stretch of the imagination. He can overcompensate for his lack of legitimate length to his detriment. Bulking up before taking his chances in the pros is also essential to improve his chances of an immediate contribution.
Carolina Panthers draft Jaeden Roberts
- Offensive Line | Alabama Crimson Tide
- Round No. 4 | Pick No. 113
Carolina's offensive line was one of the real success stories from another underwhelming campaign in 2024. Dan Morgan made some significant investments across the unit and they paid off handsomely. That represents a solid foundation from which to build, but no team should ever settle in this critical area of the field.
The Panthers need to bolster their depth along the protection at some stage. Brady Christensen is out of contract and might get an offer to start elsewhere. Austin Corbett wants to come back, but he's dealt with three successive season-ending injuries that cannot be overlooked when the time to decide his future arrives.
Jaeden Roberts represents decent value here. He's a phenomenal asset as a run blocker, displaying violent tendencies to plow the road and carve up running lanes. That fits in nicely with Dave Canales' intent to make the Panthers a run-first operation with the likes of Chuba Hubbard leading the charge.
Roberts doesn't have much starting experience, which makes him a little flawed technically. However, there wouldn't be much pressure on the lineman to start immediately, making him an intriguing development project with long-term upside.
Carolina Panthers draft Dylan Sampson
- Running Back | Tennessee Volunteers
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 140
Acquiring another running back is something the Panthers also need to contemplate this offseason. Not exactly ideal considering the acquisitions made in recent years, but rolling with the punches is the hallmark of any good general manager.
Chuba Hubbard emerged as a core foundational piece this season and deservedly got extended ahead of time. Things didn't go as well for second-round pick Jonathon Brooks, who tore the same ACL he spent a year rehabilitating in only his third game back.
Brooks is unlikely to feature until 2026 depending on his recovery timeline. Veteran Miles Sanders might get a reprieve, but the savings involved with an early departure could lead Carolina to a cheaper option when the draft rolls around.
Someone like the SEC Offensive Player of the Year would do nicely.
Dylan Sampson took college football by storm in 2024. He was a big play waiting to happen, boasting patience, explosiveness, and outstanding contact balance. He was almost impossible to stop once early momentum was generated. The Tennessee standout could go a lot higher than this, but we'll play the simulator as it stands for now.
With 1,491 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns for the Volunteers this season, Sampson's proven capable of shouldering a hefty burden and coming up big for his team in key moments. That wouldn't be a bad asset for the Panthers to take the heat off Hubbard next season.
Carolina Panthers draft Oscar Delp
- Tight End | Georgia Bulldogs
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 148
The Carolina Panthers could take this offseason to examine their tight end options in greater detail. Ja'Tavion Sanders demonstrated promise as a rookie without completely setting the world alight. It's relatively uncertain aside from that.
Veteran Ian Thomas is out of contract and probably won't return. Former third-round selection Tommy Tremble boasts athletic upside and is a decent blocker. Whether it's enough for the Panthers to give him another deal remains to be seen.
If the Panthers want to find a development prospect with a high ceiling, they could do far worse than look at Oscar Delp. The Georgia prospect wasn't utilized all that much in the passing game during his time with the Bulldogs, so he represents a work in progress until further notice.
Delp could decide to stay in college for another season to refine his craft. But with starting quarterback Carson Beck declaring for the draft, he could follow suit and hone his skills under NFL-caliber coaches.
There is some refinement needed. Delp is a smooth route-runner with nice hands that can bring in even the most difficult catches. However, his blocking is flawed despite being willing. That's something the Panthers need to clean up if they go in this direction.
Carolina Panthers draft Smael Mondon Jr.
- Linebacker | Georgia Bulldogs
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 163
Shaq Thompson highlighted a desire to stick around and finish his career in Carolina. The veteran linebacker went to the shelf after just two games, which is the second straight year he's suffered a long-term issue. Even if he gets another deal, the Panthers need another option to solidify depth.
Josey Jewell performed well overall after joining in free agency. Rookie third-rounder Trevin Wallace flashed promise but needs more development. When this trio went to injured reserve at different stages, the lack of quality behind them was exposed in no uncertain terms.
If someone like Smael Mondon Jr. was available in the later rounds, that could rectify this complication. The Georgia standout recognizes run fits extremely well and demonstrates enough explosiveness to get himself to the contact point quickly. He's a sound tackler who can generate pressure when required, although that might be more difficult in the pros given his lack of size.
Prospects lower down the draft pecking order are a gamble whichever one you pick. Mondon comes with more experience and upside than most.
Carolina Panthers draft Omarr Norman-Lott
- Defensive Line | Tennessee Volunteers
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 226
The Panthers started this mock draft by beefing up their defensive front seven. Dan Morgan's final pick adds another large body to assist Ejiro Evero in his quest to turn his unit around in 2025.
One of the biggest complications surrounding the Panthers centers on the fact they don't have a legitimate nose tackle. Any good 3-4 defensive front has a space-hogging interior force. Shy Tuttle's been manning the spot, but there is enough of a sample size to suggest he's not up to the task.
I would be astonished if Omarr Norman-Lott made it into the seventh round. The Tennessee nose tackle is a brute force with the size, core strength, and violent hands that always transition well to the pros. This is exactly the sort of body the Panthers need to anchor a front three that underachievement almost constantly without Derrick Brown.
Norman-Lott needs to improve his tackling. Until then, his surprising agility and aggression to the point of attack could help him make an instant impression.
Adding Deone Walker and Norman-Lott to their defensive line options alongside Brown and A'Shawn Robinson would improve their fortunes in the short and long term.