Which way could the Carolina Panthers go with their 2024 NFL Draft selections if they decide to tag-and-trade edge rusher Brian Burns?
It seems like the chances of Brian Burns leaving the Carolina Panthers are increasing. Josina Anderson of CBS Sports revealed that those in power have called off contract talks with the star edge rusher. While the franchise tag seems like the most likely scenario, teams around the league will be monitoring developments closely.
If the Panthers see fit - if they feel like it's the best thing for the franchise - then Burns being tagged and traded becomes a realistic option. This would be another top-level performer to depart entering their prime, but the relationship between the player and the organization is rapidly disintegrating when one factors everything into the equation.
This could have ramifications on Carolina's offseason plans. Specifically, getting additional draft assets by dealing their best pass-rusher by a considerable margin. It's not ideal, but it's the mess Dan Morgan and Brandt Tilis inherited from the previous regime of complete incompetence.
Using the Pro Football focus simulator, we took a look at how the Panthers could spend their 2024 NFL Draft selections in our latest seven-round mock. This starts by finding a willing suitor for the former first-round pick out of Florida State.
Carolina Panthers trade Brian Burns to the Lions
This is a sorry state of affairs. The Carolina Panthers refused to pay Brian Burns despite turning down a trade offer consisting of two first-round picks and more from the Los Angeles Rams before the 2022 deadline. They have no leverage whatsoever. If the new regime decides to trade the player, they won't get anything like the same compensation package.
In this scenario, Burns is dealt to the Detroit Lions for their first-round pick (No. 29 overall), together with second and fourth-rounders in 2025. This recoups another selection they coughed up to the Chicago Bears as part of the Bryce Young trade.
Again, Burns would be extended in an ideal world. But this situation might be going past the point of no return for all parties involved. You might think this offer is too low, but it might be the best Carolina can hope for.
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Carolina Panthers draft Brian Thomas Jr.
- Wide Receiver | LSU Tigers
- No. 29 overall
So, the Carolina Panthers have a first-round pick. They gave up one of their best players to get it, which would be a contentious issue among the fanbase when one considers how many established stars have been allowed to leave in recent years.
Dan Morgan and Brandt Tilis have to make the best out of a bad situation this offseason. They inherited an ungodly mess from Scott Fitterer and Samir Suleiman, whose incompetence knew no bounds as the Panthers descended into the league's worst football team.
Not offering Burns a long-term extension his representatives consider worthy could indicate a shift in course. There wouldn't be much money to go around if he played on the franchise tag. Therefore, it could jeopardize the chances of putting the right pieces around quarterback Bryce Young this offseason.
One thing this hypothetical trade does is increase the chances of landing one of the elite wide receivers emerging from the college ranks. If Brian Thomas Jr. was available at this point, it might not take long to turn in their card.
This is projected to be one of the deepest wide receiver classes in recent memory. There's a chance Thomas goes much higher than this due to the outstanding physical attributes at the wideout's disposal, but one or two might slip through the cracks and end up being late first-rounders when they were projected to be taken further up the pecking order.
Thomas has the physical profile and explosiveness to become Young's best threat in the passing game. More is needed, but this would be a great place to start.
Carolina Panthers draft Darius Robinson
- Defensive Line/Edge Rusher | Missouri Tigers
- No. 33 overall
Trading Brian Burns would leave the Carolina Panthers without a consistent pass-rusher. Strengthening the unit even if the former Florida State star sticks around would be beneficial. If he departed via a tag-and-trade, the need becomes even more glaring.
Finding one or two options in free agency if the price is right should be considered. Adding someone on a cheaper contract from the college level is something else for those in power to consider in this scenario.
Darius Robinson is gaining significant traction at the right time. The Missouri standout turned in an eye-popping display of athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine to further boost his stock. His speed off the block and versatility make him an intriguing addition if he doesn't go in the first round.
Robinson is a unique individual. He can line up almost anywhere on the line of scrimmage with equal effectiveness. The prospect also boasts the speed needed to transition to an edge rusher in the right scheme. This could reap rewards within Ejiro Evero's creative 3-4 base system after the defensive coordinator opted to stick around.
There would be an immense amount of pressure on Robinson to make a big-time contribution immediately if Burns was traded. He's got the right mentality to take on the challenge, but expecting him to replicate this borderline-elite production right out of the gate is extremely unfair.
Carolina Panthers draft Ben Sinnott
- Tight End | Kansas State Wildcats
- No. 65 overall
As previously mentioned, the Carolina Panthers are making their intentions clear heading into free agency. They want to do everything in their power to give quarterback Bryce Young a fighting chance after his disappointing rookie campaign. If that means sacrificing edge rusher Brian Burns and some other defensive pieces who are out of contract, so be it.
Again, it's a contentious issue. Recent reports also indicate the Panthers are going after capable veteran offensive linemen in free agency. This leaves the possibility of focusing on the skill positions when the 2024 NFL Draft arrives depending on who they can convince to join their ambitious project.
Adding another dynamic weapon to the tight end room should be considered. Hayden Hurst and Tommy Tremble didn't factor much in the passing game last season. Ian Thomas looks like a prime salary-cap-cut candidate. Stephen Sullivan flashed some promise, but it would be a shock if he could develop enough to become a focal point.
Ben Sinnott is well worth a shot at this stage of the draft. The Kansas State product looks tailor-made to carve out a successful professional career for himself despite having just two years of starting college experience. He's a smooth route runner who coordinates his body well to make tough catches. This is something the Panthers haven't had at the position since Greg Olsen was allowed to leave for the Seattle Seahawks in 2020.
Sinnott blew everyone away at the NFL Scouting Combine. The athleticism on display matches his tape, which is always the most important thing. With a smooth transition, he could become another decent asset for Young to call upon immediately.
Carolina Panthers draft Cam Hart
- Cornerback | Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- No. 102 overall
It seems as if the secret might be out on Cam Hart. The physically gifted cornerback did his draft stock an untold amount of good at the NFL Scouting Combine. He could go much higher than this projection as a result, but the Carolina Panthers would no doubt benefit greatly from his presence looking at their current need in the secondary.
Hart has the size and speed needed to thrive at the next level. Teams will test him deep early on - which isn't uncommon for rookie cornerbacks - so how defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero manages him as a rookie will be crucial for his overall development in this scenario.
That said, there's plenty to like about Hart in press coverage over short-to-intermediate routes. His aggressiveness can move wide receivers off their routes with supreme efficiency. He's instinctive and fluid enough to change direction quickly. The Notre Dame prospect is also a willing participant against the run for good measure.
Some technical flaws in Hart's game need work. Considering Evero's previous background coaching defensive backs and the presence of Jonathan Cooley and DeAngelo Hall on Carolina's staff, this would be an exceptional spot to learn and grow to potentially contribute from Week 1.
Much will depend on Jaycee Horn's health and Donte Jackson's future, but the Panthers need more at the cornerback position. Especially if Troy Hill and C.J. Henderson don't return. Hart is a decent choice here.
Carolina Panthers draft Layden Robinson
- Offensive Line | Texas A&M Aggies
- No. 141 overall
The Carolina Panthers might address the offensive line much sooner than this. However, recent reports seem to suggest the new people in positions of power are going to be aggressive during free agency in pursuit of providing quarterback Bryce Young with the protection he needs to be more effective.
To say this would be welcome is a massive understatement. Carolina's protection was nothing short of porous last season. Even if Austin Corbett and Brady Christensen make successful returns from injury, the Panthers need to solidify depth and potentially upgrade starting positions depending on what options show mutual interest.
There can be no room for sentiment when it comes to decision-making. That's part of the reason why Carolina is in this mess. Doing right by Young and adopting a business-first approach is the only way things are going to improve.
Adding to the team's depth chart via the college ranks could be beneficial. This is a deep class for offensive linemen across the board. Layden Robinson is a development project, but the physical assets suggest he can be molded into a dependable option under Carolina's improved coaching staff.
The Texas A&M prospect has a wide base and violent hands that make him an asset against the run. Robinson is agile enough to enhance his pass-protecting credentials, although his technique will be exposed if tasked with significant responsibilities early.
Expecting miracles right out of the gate is unrealistic. But there's nothing to suggest progress cannot be made quickly en route to becoming a valuable depth option.
Carolina Panthers draft Drake Nugent
- Center | Michigan Wolverines
- No. 165 overall
Bradley Bozeman is on the hot seat entering Year 3 with the Carolina Panthers. He was more than deserving of a new deal after an outstanding first season with the franchise. Unfortunately, things didn't go nearly as well last time around.
Bozeman wasn't alone in that regard. He remained durable from an injury standpoint, but the former Alabama star didn't look suited to the zone-blocking concepts implemented by Frank Reich and Thomas Brown. Looking at Dave Canales' offensive philosophy with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023, something similar might be in the offing.
This would require some significant adjustment from Bozeman's perspective. If the Panthers opt for an insurance policy, then Drake Nugent could be a nice backup development piece to consider on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Nugent anchored the Michigan offensive line superbly as the Wolverines secured a memorable college football national championship. He's a strong pre-snap communicator and holds his own in all phases. Whether that's enough to continue this upward trend at the NFL level is another matter.
The center needs to add more mobility to his game. Nugent is better suited to run blocking than protecting on passing downs thanks to his rigid frame currently. If these kinks can be worked out, he could emerge as a viable starting option over time and at worst, a solid backup.
Carolina Panthers draft Khristian Boyd
- Defensive Line | Northern Iowa Panthers
- No. 180 overall
Fortifying the defensive front is another underrated need for the Carolina Panthers. Derrick Brown looks like an absolute superstar following his record-breaking campaign in 2023. Aside from that, the jury is still out.
Shifting Shy Tuttle to a 3-4 defensive end permanently should be considered. This leaves a gaping hole at the nose tackle position, which proved to be Carolina's undoing on a few occasions despite Ejiro Evero's defense performing well overall in difficult circumstances.
Taking a flier on someone like Khristian Boyd could be worth its weight in gold. The Northern Iowa prospect has the size to operate almost anywhere on a 3-4 defensive front. He might be considered too tall for the nose tackle spot at 6-foot-4, but the Panthers aren't exactly gambling anything big by finding out one way or another in this scenario.
Boyd has the sort of dog-like qualities general manager Dan Morgan is looking for. His work ethic is tireless for a man his size. Once he gets his hands on opposing offensive linemen in tight situations, there's very little they can do to get the upper hand. This is matched by a strong lower body that makes it incredibly difficult to shift off the block.
There is some work to do from a pass-rushing perspective, but Boyd looks like a good 3-4 fit on Evero's front. He might not start right away - which isn't surprising for Day 3 selections more often than not - but it's not like the Panthers are blessed with great depth in the defensive trenches as it stands.