Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers improved for the third straight year, sneaking into the playoffs at 8-9 and then giving the Los Angeles Rams everything they had before losing by three. Carolina needs to keep evaluating whether Bryce Young is the long-term answer at quarterback, while continuing to add to a defense that already has some very good players. 

The Panthers have a chance to really build a team that can compete for a division title every year. Let’s take a look at how they could do that in this mock draft. 

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Round 1, Pick 19: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

The Panthers have multiple strong weapons on offense, with the reigning offensive rookie of the year, Tetairoa McMillan, and Jalen Coker at receiver, along with Chubba Hubbard in the backfield. Adding a tight end who can make plays in the passing game and be a weapon in the run game can help take Bryce Young to the next level.

Sadiq is an elite athlete who can stretch the field and make plays after the catch. Sadiq has strong body control at the point of attack and can go up and get the ball. He had some focus drops this year that he will need to clean up, but that wasn’t an issue in 2024. 

Round 2, Pick 51: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

The Panthers play zone coverage more than anyone in the NFL, according to Sharp Football Analysis, and that is precisely where Johnson excels. He is an elite-level athlete, with top-notch foot speed and the fluidity to stick with receivers in and out of their breaks.

Johnson is a strong processor with elite quickness, allowing him to watch the quarterback’s eyes and break on passes in his zone. His mobility and quickness help him be a playmaker in the secondary, picking off four passes this past season, two of which he returned for a touchdown. Putting him opposite Jayce Horn would give the Panthers an extremely good duo of corners. 

Round 3, Pick 83: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri

This may be a little lower than some on Trotter, but I still like him as a player. He is going to start at least as a two-down linebacker for whoever drafts him.

He doesn’t yet have the ability to hold up in coverage in the NFL. Maybe he can get there, but he isn’t just yet. However, as a run defender, you won’t find many linebackers better than him in the draft.

Trotter has strong instincts in the run game and will lay the absolute hammer on a running back. He has shown the ability to get off blocks and make plays. He can be an immediate playmaker for the Panthers. 

Round 4, Pick: Landon Robinson, DT, Navy

Robinson is a name some may not have heard of, but they need to. He is on the smaller side for a defensive tackle, just 5’11 and 291 pounds, but that doesn’t stop him from being a force on the defensive line.

The tackle is a freak athlete who was recorded running over 20 miles per hour, along with a 33-inch vertical leap and a 700-pound squat. He dominated at the Shrine Bowl and really boosted his stock. He was the AAC defensive player of the year and a first-team All-American. He has a bevy of pass-rush moves to go along with a relentless motor.

Pairing him with Derrick Brown could be a scary duo up front.

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