Perfect Picks 2024: Carolina Panthers
The Panthers entered tailspin in 2023. Finding their franchise QB of the future, Bryce Young was meant to start the franchise on a path back to success. Instead it collapsed into a 2-15 debacle where head coach Matt Rhule was fired and owner David Tepper lost patience with not only the situation but opposition fans as well!
Tepper opted for the offensive hotshot route when hiring Dave Canales as head coach. The hope being he can form a strong bond with Young, and help remove some of the scar tissue likely formed in his rookie season. The Panthers must now build around their young QB if they are to challenge for the NFC South.
As part of our Perfect Picks series, Rory-Joe Daniels gives you his selections for the Panthers 2024 draft, as well as going in-depth on four players from each stage of the weekend.
Round 2 - Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
One of the biggest issues the Panthers face is that the trade up for Bryce Young has left them without a first round selection. Not only that but it left them without star receiver DJ Moore. On the roster as it stands is an ageing Adam Thielen as well as two young pups Terrace Marshall and Jonathan Mingo. Carolina certainly need more playmakers for Young.
The worry here is that at the top of the 2nd round, the polished college receivers are all off the board. This is a deep class but anybody selected here will always have flaws. Adonai Mitchell, transferred from Georgia to Texas and was a big part of their run to the College Football semi-finals. He’s a gangly receiver who can look a bit cumbersome at times. However, he has legitimate deep speed, excellent ball tracking and extends well at the catch point. While he will need development, he has the traits to be an impact player.
Round 3 - Bralen Trice, Edge, Washington
Edge rusher Bralen Trice was the poster boy of Washington’s defense in 2023 and key to getting them into the National Championship. He had 80 pressures, including 8 sacks, displaying his ability to get into the backfield. He is a physical, high motor edge defender and although he isn’t the bendiest, never gives up on a down.
With Brian Burns and Yetur Gross-Matos contract question marks, Trice would be a good addition as the Panthers seek to rebuild the group.
Mid Round Gem - Jaheim Bell, TE, Florida State
Dave Canales will look to add some wrinkles to this Panthers offense, what better way than to add a dynamic threat at the tight end position. Florida State’s Jaheim Bell is undersized for the position but that means he has the speed to defeat defensive backs one-on-one. His versatility means he can line up in the backfield or as an H-back and thrives when used in motion.
The Panthers invested heavily in the tight end position last offseason with little success. Hayden Hurst is more traditional than Bell and that might be an effective duo for Young to use. If the offense needs to survive on quick-hitting passes over the middle of the field, having Bell and Hurst will be a massive help.
Late Round Sleeper - AJ Woods, CB, Pittsburgh
Jaycee Horn and Donte Jackson are the projected starters at corner for the Panthers, but behind them there is scope for adding depth through the draft. What the group could do with is some additional steel and grit, that could be in the form of AJ Woods from Pittsburgh.
On the quiet, Pittsburgh have churned out some under-rated prospects from their secondary in recent drafts. Woods could be another. His stats took a downturn this season from a standout year in 2022, where he had 10 pass breakups. Part of that was due to the fact he was targeted less by opposing QBs. What does shine through is his competitiveness and tackling on tape. That sort of blue collar attitude needs to be injected into this roster.
Draft in full
Round 2 – Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Round 3 – Bralen Trice, Edge, Washington
Round 4 – Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina
Round 5 – Jaheim Bell, TE, Florida State
Round 6 – Trevor Keegan, iOL, Michigan
Round 7 – AJ Woods, CB, Pittsburgh
