Breaking: Panthers Agree Deal To Sign Long-Sought $21.5 Million WR In Stunning Trade Proposal
The Carolina Panthers have a busy weekend planned.
With the 2024 NFL Draft scheduled for Thursday, April 25 through Saturday, April 27, the Panthers have a chance to strengthen the squad on almost every front.
So, as the draft approaches, let’s look at the Panthers’ last seven-round mock draft.
Carolina’s first selection will be No. 33 in the second round, as there is no pick in the first round. The Panthers’ first draft pick must be one that improves second-year quarterback Bryce Young. In total, the Panthers will make seven picks in the 2024 NFL draft.
Round 2, No. 33: WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina
The Panthers’ interest in the 6-foot-3 wide receiver has long been known.
Recently, it was reported that Legette told him the Panthers would select him if he were available at pick No. 33. Most draft projections have him being a day two option, placing him right in the Panthers’ wheelhouse.
With wide receiver being a pressing need for the Panthers, Legette would be a no-brainer selection for Dan Morgan on Friday.
Round 2, No. 39 (from New York Giants): TE Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas
Ja’Tavion Sanders from the University of Texas could be the perfect addition to the Panthers’ tight end room.
Sanders is a former five-star recruit with incredible athleticism. His hands are reliable, and he has the potential to be a mismatch in almost any NFL scenario.
His only disadvantage is that in college, he was on a team that did not allow him to fully utilize his ability. For Carolina, he would answer every difficult tight-end question the Panthers currently have.
Round 3, No. 65: Edge Jonah Elliss, Utah
After losing Pro Bowl-caliber outside linebacker Brian Burns to the New York Giants, the Panthers need to improve their pass rush. Edge Jonah Elliss might be a third-round pick.
Elliss is a skilled player who can use a variety of pass-rushing moves. He has a solid first step and has the potential to play in the NFL.
Round 4, No. 101: C Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia
Nobody knows better than Young how severely the Panthers need to improve the center position on their team. Sedrick Van Pran could provide such upgrade in the fourth round.
He has been a long-time starter at center in college. He fits nicely into an NFL scheme, and his physicality appears to be suitable for the next level.
Round 5, No. 141 (from New York Giants): Edge Cedric Johnson, Ole Miss
There is a saying in the NFL: A team can never have too much pass-rushing help. That is what the Panthers are going for with the franchise’s No. 141 selection.
Cedric Johnson may not make an immediate impact in the NFL, but he is an intriguing Day 3 option due to his length (6-3, 260), athleticism, and potential.
Raw athletic ability always leaves potential for development at the NFL level.
Round 5, No. 142 (from Tennessee): WR Cornelius Johnson, Michigan
The name of the game is more wide receiver skill. Late in the draft, taking a chance on a pass-catcher couldn’t hurt.
Cornelius Johnson appears to be a draft possibility with a high floor but a poor ceiling. He appeared in 60 games for Michigan, starting 44 of them. He has experience that might immediately benefit the wide receiver room.
Johnson appears to have more potential in the tank, and the late-round pick’s future looks bright.
Round 7, No. 240 (from Pittsburgh): DB Ryan Watts, Texas
The secondary needs work for the Panthers. Carolina may very well select a defensive back earlier in the draft. However, in this simulation, Carolina approaches the defensive back situation in the seventh round with Texas product Ryan Watts.
