The Carolina Panthers entered the season with high hopes. They've had some nice moments, but things are starting to unravel. And head coach Dave Canales has already brought change into the building.
After their Thursday Night Football loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Panthers fired defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and pass-game coordinator Jonathan Cooley. This was long overdue, but it shows pressure is mounting at 3-4 when a bold playoff push was expected.
Injuries haven't helped, of course. However, every team gets them, and the Panthers just haven't met expectations through the first seven contests.
General manager Dan Morgan has resisted any trades. He values his draft picks highly, and that is unlikely to change in Carolina's current state.
Big changes are coming this offseason. If the Panthers cannot turn things around, this roster will need a significant makeover, and Morgan has eight selections in the draft to find difference-makers and improve depth.
Using the Pro Football and Sports Network simulator, we looked at how things might unfold for the Panthers in our latest seven-round mock draft.
Carolina Panthers 2027 mock draft starts with a bold swing at running back
Carolina Panthers draft Jadan Baugh
- Running Back | Florida Gators
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 19
Running back might not be a major need for the Carolina Panthers, and taking one in the first round always carries risk. But if you look a little closer, it makes sense.
Chuba Hubbard is the lead back right now, and he's performing well. But he's got no more guaranteed money on his deal after 2026, and there are too many concerns about others to justify overlooking the position when the offseason rolls around.
Jonathon Brooks is still on injured reserve and hasn't been seen much over his three-year career. The Panthers cannot wait around for him forever, so he'll need to show something whenever he gets back into the lineup later in the campaign.
Travor Etienne seems like a return specialist and nothing more. A.J. Dillon is a one-year rental, so the Panthers need something else to keep their offense fluid.
And Jadan Baugh would solve all Carolina's issues in the blink of an eye.
The Florida standout checks all the boxes physically. Baugh is an intimidating weapon with the football in his hands, and considering his bulky frame, he's movements are quick, and he's got enough speed to exploit seams for big gains.
Baugh can also make things happen as a pass-catching asset out of the backfield and is an exceptional pass blocker. Taking running backs in the first round is risky, but the Panthers have to think outside the box.
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