ProFootballFocus presents: Carolina Panthers 7-round mock draft: Bryce Young gets some help, defense gets reinforcements

[TheSpecialJuan]

ound 1, Pick 8: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona

Adding a true dominant X receiver like McMillan would help the Panthers unlock the full potential of 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette. Despite frequently facing rolled coverage, McMillan still put up elite production in 2024, hauling in 86 catches for 1,327 yards and eight touchdowns. He thrived in contested situations, securing 18 of 32 such targets—often against multiple defenders—while also forcing an impressive 29 missed tackles.

Round 2, Pick 58: S Malaki Starks, Georgia

Starks' production dipped in 2024, but his coverage performance in 2023 showcased his impact. That season, he allowed just 18 completions on 37 targets while recording three interceptions and seven pass breakups.

Round 3, Pick 74: DI Aeneas Peebles, Virginia Tech

Peebles pairs his agility and quickness with excellent hand usage, making him a highly effective interior pass rusher. He led all defensive interior players in college football with a 27.3% win rate on true pass sets.

Round 4, Pick 109: T Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, Florida

Crenshaw-Dickson transferred to Florida from San Diego State for the 2024 season and delivered the best performance of his career, allowing just one sack and no quarterback hits.

Round 4, Pick 112: DI Jordan Phillips, Maryland

Phillips is a force against the run, recording 20 stops and seven tackles for loss or no gain in 2024.

Round 5, Pick 140: LB Kobe King, Penn State

King's 89.2 run-defense grade in 2024 ranked fifth among all linebackers in this year's draft class.

Round 5, Pick 146: LB Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma

Bowman has a natural instinct for making plays in coverage, tallying 11 interceptions and 10 forced incompletions over the past three seasons at Oklahoma.

Round 5, Pick 163: WR Antwane Wells Jr., Mississippi

Wells was a big-play machine in 2024, averaging 19.4 yards per reception. He converted 20 of his 29 catches into first downs, including six touchdowns.

Round 7, Pick 228: CB Mac McWilliams, UCF

McWilliams transferred to UCF from UAB last year and allowed just 23 receptions for 137 yards on 41 throws into his coverage.

[TheSpecialJuan]

https://www.pff.com/news/draft-carolina-panthers-7-round-mock-draft

[Basbear]

[Jon Snow]

That draft sucks donkey balls. I hope like hell they can do better than that.

[PNW_PantherMan]

I’m cool with TMac if Warren is off the board.  Somehow I suspect Dan and co have a similar big board.  Safety in round 2 after that though?  Bruh moment.

[Jon Snow]

Just now, PNW_PantherMan said:

I’m cool with TMac if Warren is off the board.  Somehow I suspect Dan and co have a similar big board.  Safety in round 2 after that though?  Bruh moment.

I cannot see them go safety before the 4th round. Dan would have to have the front 7 solidified before he goes secondary. I would be shocked and a little concerned if he did.

[jfra78]

The team needs to get back to Panthers football, a strong front 7 with really good LB play.  This cutesy stuff has gotten us where we are now

[Shocker]

If Starks was there late second that is good value

[TheSpecialJuan]

[Jon Snow]

2 minutes ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

I pity the team that takes on that circus.

[PNW_PantherMan]

35 minutes ago, Jon Snow said:

I cannot see them go safety before the 4th round. Dan would have to have the front 7 solidified before he goes secondary. I would be shocked and a little concerned if he did.

Yea I think we will target LB, DL, TE, WR and probably even RB before safety but I might be way off base.

[TheSpecialJuan]

35 minutes ago, Jon Snow said:

I cannot see them go safety before the 4th round. Dan would have to have the front 7 solidified before he goes secondary. I would be shocked and a little concerned if he did.

Dave Canales was on Pro Football Talk with Mike Florio earlier today. He was asked what are the teams top 3 needs. His answer: D-line, safety, and offensive weapons (WR, TE, RB)

[DamnItJake!]

23 minutes ago, jfra78 said:

The team needs to get back to Panthers football, a strong front 7 with really good LB play.  This cutesy stuff has gotten us where we are now

I remember when we were defensive minded and had better results!! Then it went Offensive in the NFL for a bit.. Now after Philly showing defense matters.. but our defense suxs ass!! And offense is a little better not much. More like promise 

[Jon Snow]

3 minutes ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

Dave Canales was on Pro Football Talk with Mike Florio earlier today. He was asked what are the teams top 3 needs. His answer: D-line, safety, and offensive weapons (WR, TE, RB)

Sounds about right. Sounds like it's Graham, Walker or McMillan.