Which way could the Carolina Panthers go with their 2024 NFL Draft selections as another new coaching regime gets set to enter the organization?
The Carolina Panthers are currently enduring one of their worst seasons in franchise history. If that wasn't bad enough, the biggest embarrassment of all is still to come this offseason.
General manager Scott Fitterer boldly claimed that the Panthers didn't plan on picking in the top 10 again after making their daring trade up to No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft for quarterback Bryce Young. To say this blew up in the front-office figure's face would be a huge understatement.
Carolina is the league's worst team by a considerable margin, winning one of their first 13 games. This also means they are all but guaranteed to be giving up the No. 1 pick in 2024 to the Chicago Bears. A scenario that could end up costing Fitterer his job when it's all said and done.
The Panthers are an absolute mess right now. Many problem position groups need a makeover. Some interesting contract decisions are upcoming. A new coaching regime is coming into the fold once again after erratic team owner David Tepper fired Frank Reich.
It's a mess. That first-overall pick would have solved one big problem, but the Panthers must move forward with the bad hand they dealt themselves.
Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took a look at how the Panthers might utilize their selections next spring in our latest seven-round 2024 mock draft.
Carolina Panthers draft Troy Fautanu
- Offensive Line | Washington Huskies
- No. 33 overall
The upcoming offseason should be centered around one thing and one thing only. The Carolina Panthers must provide quarterback Bryce Young with everything he needs to thrive during the 2024 campaign and beyond.
Young's endured some significant hardship as a rookie. Damage that is bordering on irreparable unless the Panthers do right by the No. 1 overall selection in free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft.
While gaining more explosiveness in the wide receiver room should be considered at No. 33 overall, Carolina must solidify their offensive line. This unit has been a complete abomination this season and Young is suffering as a result.
Someone like Troy Fautanu is worth a good look if he makes it to No. 33 overall. The Washington prospect currently operates as the program's left tackle as they prepare for the college football playoffs, but his size could indicate a switch to the interior once he gets to the pros.
Fautanu is technically sound and agile enough to deal with speed rushers. The hand placement is sound and the player is also on an upward trajectory, improving with every college campaign.
His functional strength needs work, but it's coming along. Much will depend on what the Panthers' new coaching regime has planned for Ikem Ekwonu. However, Fautanu could play the edge or on the interior with minimal fuss.
Carolina Panthers draft Ja'Tavion Sanders
- Tight End | Texas Longhorns
- No. 65 overall
It's been another year of almost anonymous production from the tight ends. The Carolina Panthers haven't been able to count on this position group since Greg Olsen was allowed to leave in 2020 free agency. A complete revamp is needed when the offseason arrives.
Hayden Hurst's arrival in free agency hasn't gone according to plan. Stephan Sullivan and Tommy Tremble remain inconsistent in the passing game. Ian Thomas seems like a lost cause and will likely be moved on as a salary-cap casualty at some stage this offseason.
Finding a gifted performer who could become quarterback Bryce Young's best friend is worth its weight in gold. Ja'Tavion Sanders is the problem solver Carolina craved at the tight end spot and is well worth a gamble here.
Sanders boasts exceptional footwork and ball skills. His sharp route-running makes him an asset across the middle in pursuit of moving the chains. The Texas prospect makes things happen with the football in his hands and makes contested catches look easy when in the mood.
Some blocking concerns need work where Sanders is concerned. But using him primarily in the passing games while he develops other areas could enable the dynamic individual to make an immediate contribution. Something Young will no doubt welcome in the biggest way imaginable.
Carolina Panthers draft Ja'Lynn Polk
- Wide Receiver | Washington Huskies
- No. 97 overall
Sunday's game at the New Orleans Saints was filled with more drops from the wide receivers. It's been the season's story and something that cannot continue if the Carolina Panthers want rookie quarterback Bryce Young to prosper long-term.
One would anticipate the Panthers going after a premier weapon in free agency. Of course, they'd probably have to overpay given the current state of affairs and Charlotte not being the biggest market around.
Those in power must also analyze an extremely gifted upcoming draft class. There is real value to be had if the Panthers can find the right guy or guys. Whether it's general manager Scott Fitterer making the picks or someone else is another matter.
Ja'Lynn Polk is on the up. He's been a shining light for the Washington Huskies on their quest to win the national championship, gaining precisely 1,000 receiving yards throughout the season and demonstrating consistent playmaking abilities along the way.
Polk has come of age this season. The wideout boasts outstanding yards after the catch ability, running with purpose and violence in pursuit of gaining additional yardage.
The prospect can line up anywhere across the line of scrimmage and be equally effective. Polk tracks the football well downfield and if further development arrives from a route-running standpoint, the Panthers or someone else will have a supreme difference-maker on their hands.
Carolina Panthers draft Jonah Elliss
- Edge Rusher | Utah Utes
- No. 134 overall
Allowing Haason Reddick to walk in free agency remains one of the worst decisions made by the Carolina Panthers in recent memory. It's been another campaign of almost no consistent pass-rushing presence on either side. Even Brian Burns is struggling to make an impact after becoming the focal point of opposing protection schemes.
Despite this, Ejiro Evero's defense continues to hold its own. For this unit to make the strides needed next season - whether the respected coordinator is around or not - the Panthers must find better options.
Finding productive pass-rushers on the free agent market isn't usually a cheap exercise. Therefore, adding another intriguing weapon from the college ranks should be strongly considered.
It's hard not to be impressed by the growth displayed by Jonah Elliss this season. He should be on everyone's draft radar in the mid-rounds after attaining 12 sacks and 16 tackles for loss from 10 games. He's not the most refined, but the prospect always finds a way to get the job done.
Elliss is a commanding force against the run, especially when identifying gaps in the interior. This is matched by instinctive pass-rushing moves and quick bursts that allow him to reach the backfield quickly.
As previously stated, Elliss needs some development. His pass-rushing moves in particular could use an added boost. But this looks like a solid value pick with a long-term upside.
Carolina Panthers draft Brandon Coleman
- Offensive Line | TCU Horned Frogs
- No. 158 overall
After the offensive line went through very few injury complications until Week 18 of the 2022 season, it's been the complete opposite this time around. Brady Christensen lasted just one game. Austin Corbett barely featured before suffering another significant knee injury soon after his return. This has exposed the Carolina Panthers' complete lack of genuine depth across the protection.
Only Sam Howell of Washington Commanders - who is on course to break the single-season NFL record for sacks against - is taking more hits than Bryce Young. This has to change if the Heisman Trophy winner's confidence wants to avoid going to the point where it's beyond salvageable.
After gaining a potential Day 1 starter at pick No. 33, the Panthers identify another offensive lineman further down the pecking order. Someone with the physical traits to become a nice depth piece at the very worst.
Brandon Coleman flashed promise during his time at TCU. He's aggressive in finishing off blocks with ruthless conviction. There's also enough to like about his capabilities in the run game with the size and length normally associated with NFL interior offensive linemen.
Leaving Coleman on an island would be foolish until he becomes more aware of his surroundings - especially in pass protection. Adjusting more effectively is something else that will serve him well if given an opportunity at the next level.
Carolina Panthers draft Jaylin Simpson
- Cornerback | Auburn Tigers
- No. 162 overall
There are some questions surrounding the cornerback room heading into the spring. Jaycee Horn is back and looks the part, which gives the Carolina Panthers a legitimate shutdown presence. As for the others, doubts remain for one reason or another.
Donte Jackson looks like a primary salary-cap-cut candidate. Troy Hill and C.J. Henderson are out of contract. If the Panthers decide to move on from all three, replacements will be required as a matter of urgency.
Some decent options might be available on the free-agent market worthy of consideration. Picking up a potential steal during the draft is another potential avenue to explore once other key needs have been addressed beforehand.
Jaylin Simpson has the size, length, and athleticism to mold with the right coaching. He's thrived in pass-man coverage situations during his time at Auburn. However, he represents a feast-or-famine option until the prospect becomes more disciplined.
There's a lot to like about Simpson's awareness. He reacts well either in man or zone coverages. The defensive back also boasts plenty of SEC experience, which is still regarded as the pinnacle of college football when push comes to shove.
Simpson is a risk taker. This can be his undoing on occasion. If the same occurs in the NFL against elite-level wide receivers capable of punishing even the slightest mistake, he won't last long in the league.
That said, Simpson has enough to suggest he's worth the gamble. Hopefully, the Panthers have the right coaches in place to nurture his obvious talent.