Carolina Panthers draft LaNorris Sellars
- Quarterback | South Carolina Gamecocks
- Round No. 4 | Pick No. 133
Bryce Young is the franchise player. The Carolina Panthers haven't given him an extension yet, but his overall performance this season has been good enough to warrant another financial commitment.
The offensive line isn't helping him right now, but Young has the poise and precision to be a long-term piece of the puzzle.
However, with Kenny Pickett on a one-year deal, the Panthers could use a mid-round selection on a younger, cheaper backup quarterback. LaNorris Sellers may not have lived up to the first-round projections in previous years, but his athleticism and dynamic playmaking abilities could be an asset in the right fit.
This might cause some controversy, but it makes sense in the circumstances.
Carolina Panthers draft Anthony Donkoh
- Offensive Tackle | Penn State Nittany Lions
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 199
Taylor Moton is out for the season with a fractured fibula. Ikem Ekwonu is still on the shelf as he recovers from a torn patellar tendon. Rasheed Walker could be heading for the bench, and first-round rookie Monroe Freeling is going through some inevitable growing pains.
The Panthers have some big decisions to make at offensive tackle. Ekwonu and Freeling might be the starting tandem in 2027, but Carolina still needs a young backup to develop.
Anthony Donkoh is raw, but he has the physical and athletic tools you look for in productive NFL offensive linemen. This could be a decent option at this stage of the draft.
Carolina Panthers draft Jayden Virgin-Morgan
- Edge Rusher | Boise State Broncos
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 234
The Panthers have Jaelan Phillips, Princely Umanmielen, and Nic Scourton under contract at defensive end next season. Patrick Jones II is out of contract and might not return. If so, the new defensive coordinator may need another option.
Carolina would likely pay a premium for an edge rusher. They could even attack the position in free agency, but money is tight. If general manager Dan Morgan decides to wait, Jayden Virgin-Morgan has some intriguing athletic traits that could develop into something more.
Virgin-Morgan has explosiveness off the snap. He may lack a bit of length, but his closing speed and violent hands are solid platforms to grow into a key rotational piece.
Carolina Panthers draft Joe Brunner
- Offensive Line | Indiana Hoosiers
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 237
The Panthers' offensive line is in turmoil right now. Key players are missing, and some important players have underperformed. One of those is right guard Robert Hunt, who looks far from the Pro Bowl performer of old.
Hunt is a prime salary-cap cut candidate next spring. Luke Fortner probably won't return, and the team may need to rethink the edge. Depth is also a problem, and the cheapest way to solve this is through late-round draft gems who could potentially become something more.
Joe Brunner has the size and physicality to make an impression. He lacks the technical skill to be an immediate starter, but he could be a viable backup throughout his career.
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