Looking at the current state of affairs, what potential needs could the Carolina Panthers have when the 2024 NFL Draft rolls around?
We are a long, long time away from the 2024 NFL Draft. Even though the Carolina Panthers are still basking in the glory of selecting Bryce Young at No. 1 overall this year, scouts and front-office personnel have already turned the page to examining prospects that could take their chances next spring.
Considering there are always hundreds of prospects to evaluate, it's never too early. The Panthers don't have a first-round pick following their landmark trade to control the 2023 draft, but they currently boast six selections over the seven rounds according to Tankathon.
There is plenty of football to be played between now and then. Prospects will fall up and down the pecking order based on their 2023 production, although confidence in blue-chip guys such as quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is unlikely to waver.
This is extremely fluid, obviously. But here are four potential needs for the Panthers during the 2024 NFL Draft.
Potential Draft Need No. 1
Carolina Panthers have a potential need at LB
While the transition to Ejiro Evero's 3-4 base defense brings increased encouragement for this talented group, the Carolina Panthers could have a need at the linebacker spot during the 2024 NFL Draft. Frankie Luvu and Jeremy Chinn are both on the lookout for new deals, so it might be difficult to keep both around depending on the contract demands.
Much will depend on the development of Brandon Smith entering his second season. But with Shaq Thompson also out of contract in 2025, finding a long-term solution at the second level could be among the team's biggest priorities this time next year.
Carolina Panthers have a potentiall need at edge rusher
Stop me if you've heard this one before.
The Carolina Panthers remain in desperate need of a productive edge rusher to put opposite Brian Burns. A positional group that's been largely ignored by those in power throughout a busy offseason period for the franchise.
Perhaps Marquis Haynes Sr. or Yetur Gross-Matos can step up in contract years. But this is a significant gamble to make looking at their full body of work.
Carolina saw enough in D.J. Johnson to move up and guarantee his services during the 2023 NFL Draft. However, the six-year college player is still learning how to play the position after transferring from a tight end at Oregon, so the chance of him starting immediately is remote at best.
Burns is the glue and will be paid handsomely on his next deal, which is likely to arrive before training camp. But there is not enough in the room to suggest this won't be the top priority above all else next spring unless some big surprises emerge throughout the upcoming campaign.
The Panthers have enough financial resources to add another veteran if the right opportunity comes along. Even if this will only be a band-aid solution to an increasingly worrying complication.
Carolina Panthers have a potential need at TE
The Carolina Panthers signed a productive tight end in the form of Hayden Hurst from the free-agent market, which should be an immediate pass-catching upgrade at the position. However, the bar hasn't been high since Greg Olsen departed for the Seattle Seahawks in 2020.
That's a long time to be without consistency. Hurst comes with more dependability than those already on the books, with the likes of Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas entering make-or-break campaigns under the new regime.
If neither Thomas nor Tremble manages to increase their influence when called upon, a situation could emerge where the Panthers cut both loose next season. With Stephen Sullivan also out of contract - provided he makes the 53-man roster - bolstering options via the 2024 NFL Draft seems like a realistic scenario.
The Panthers ignored one of the deepest tight-end classes in recent memory in 2023. While this could represent a vote of confidence for the team's current options, it might end up being a mistake when it's all said and done.
For Bryce Young to thrive, he needs a prolific outlet across the middle and in red-zone situations. Hurst could be just that, but a long-term solution might be sought next offseason if certain individuals don't meet specific targets.
Carolina Panthers have a potential need at CB
Considering how many questions surround the cornerback unit heading into 2023, it's been infuriating to see such little activity in terms of recruitment. The Carolina Panthers have prioritized other position groups throughout, which could bring some severe complications looking at the big picture.
Jaycee Horn can be relied upon for consistent lockdown production if he stays healthy for a full 17-game season, which he has yet to accomplish. But veteran Donte Jackson's torn Achilles means some explosiveness could be lost from his game upon receiving clearance to return.
C.J. Henderson and Keith Taylor Jr. were shambolic at times last season. If Ejiro Evero cannot work his magic with either, the Panthers have a real problem on their hands.
Jammie Robinson and Eric Rowe might be able to assist in coverage depending on their respective transitions. Adding a nickel cornerback after deciding not to retain Myles Hartsfield is a must in free agency before the season, but acquiring a long-term partner for Horn from the college ranks in 2024 must also be considered.
Big things are expected of Carolina's defense next season. If the cornerbacks cannot live up to their end of the bargain - which is entirely possible all things considered - it won't take long for this group to become a serious weak link despite Horn's obvious class.