The 2024 NFL Draft is just days away, which means there is time for one more Panthers mock before the big event. Even though they don’t have a first-round pick in the upcoming draft, the Panthers upcoming will still shape the franchise for years to come – for better or worse. Carolina currently has seven selections and needs to make the most of each one if they want to finally return to winning for the first time in the post-Cam Newton Era.
Note that the exercise was performed using the Pro Football Focus Mock Draft Simulator. If the player was on the board when Carolina was on the clock, they were fair game. Also note that this Panthers mock draft does not include trades.
Final Seven-Round Carolina Panthers Mock Draft
Second Round (33rd Overall) – Ladd McConkey, WR
The Panthers kick off this NFL mock draft by giving Bryce Young a reliable young receiver. Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen can keep the ship afloat for 2024, but McConkey offers long-term upside at the position. A gifted route runner, the Georgia product should make an impact from Day 1 and make life considerably easier for Young and first-year head coach Dave Canales.
Ladd McConkey NFL Draft Profile
Second Round (39th Overall) – Zach Frazier, C
Four of Carolina’s five offensive line spots are in good shape. The center position, however, has some room for improvement. With Jackson Powers-Johnson already selected in this NFL mock draft, the Panthers settle for the next best thing in Zach Frazier. While he may not have Powers-Johnson’s All-Pro upside, the West Virginia product is a Day 1 starter who should solidify the offensive line. Now, Bryce Young has no excuse to not thrive in Year 2.
Zach Frazier NFL Draft Profile
Third Round (65th Overall) – Jonah Elliss, EDGE
Jonah Elliss is one of the biggest sleepers in the 2024 NFL Draft class. While the Utah product is admittedly undersized for the position, he makes up for it with impressive athleticism and a motor that doesn’t quit. With no reliable young edge rushers on the roster, the edge defender should immediately carve out a situational role on one of the league’s more underrated defenses.
Jonah Elliss NFL Draft Profile
Fourth Round (101st Overall) – Cade Stover, TE
The Panthers quest to improve the offense continues with the fourth pick in this mock draft. Cade Stover isn’t going to move too many piles in the run game, but his lack of blocking abilities are easily offset by his talents in the receiving game. While he’s no Travis Kelce, he’s an above-average route runner who knows how to highpoint the ball and blow past linebackers after the catch.
Fifth Round (141st Overall) – Jordan Magee, LB
Jordan Magee flashes the ability to be a Day 2 pick, but a lack of consistency drops him into the fifth round. At his best, the Temple product charges into run lanes, pushes back blockers, and takes down the running back long before a play can develop. However, he doesn’t always make the correct decision and needs some coaching before he’s ready to be a three-down player.
Fifth Round (142nd Overall) – Dylan Laube, RB
The Panthers land yet another reliable pass catcher with their penultimate pick in this mock draft. There are a few understandable questions about whether or not New Hampshire running back Dylan Laube can remain productive against such a stiff jump in competition. However, his film shows a player with a great route tree, reliable hands, and shifty abilities after the catch. The Panthers could use another back, and Laube has the potential to make life even easier for Young.
Seventh Round (240th Overall) – Carter Bradley, QB
The Panthers wrap up this mock draft with a dart throw at the game’s most important position. Chances are, Carter Bradley will never become much of anything. However, the same could be said of every seventh-round pick, so Carolina might as well invest in a player who can keep Young’s arm fresh throughout the offseason.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
