In 2024, the Carolina Panthers were a 5-12 football team set a new NFL single-season record for points allowed (534). Among their numerous other shortcomings was the fact that Dave Canales’s club allowed a league-high 35 touchdown passes a season ago.
In 2025, thanks in part to the efforts of Pro Bowler Jaycee Horn and underrated Mike Jackson, that TD pass allowed total was reduced from 35 a season ago to only 20 aerial scores in ’25.
ESPN’s Matt Miller recently returned from the Senior Bowl and put together a two-round mock draft. He had Panthers’ general manager Dan Morgan addressing the interior of the NFC South champions offensive line via the selection of Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane with the 19th overall pick.
With their second-round selection at No. 51, Miller has the Panthers adding a talented defensive back in Arizona State’s Keith Abney II. “As tempting as it might be to get Bryce Young even more offensive help,” stated Miller, “the Panthers need balance from this draft. Abney is a fast and feisty ball hawk at corner and could start pretty quickly for Carolina.”