The Carolina Panthers had a disappointing 2023 season with a record of 2-15, missing the playoffs. As they look towards the upcoming NFL Draft, they have draft picks in each round, with multiple picks in the 2nd and 5th rounds. Their top needs going into the draft include wide receiver and help on defense, as they struggled on both sides of the ball last season.
The Panthers traded for receiver Diontae Johnson last season, but more reinforcements are needed at the position. The defense, which traded away Brian Burns, was one of the worst in the league in 2023 and needs help across the board. Without a first-round pick due to a trade, the Panthers will have to make the most of their Day 2 picks to address their needs.
In last year’s draft, the Panthers earned a B grade, but got little production from their rookie class aside from flashes from quarterback Bryce Young. With Young struggling due to a lack of reliable targets, the Panthers will need to do better in this year’s draft to support their young quarterback. A dream fantasy draft pick for the Panthers would be adding more talent at wide receiver to support Diontae Johnson and bolster the offense. With a deep receiver class in this year’s draft, players like Keon Coleman and Xavier Legette could be first-round talents that fall to the Panthers’ first pick in the 2nd round. Adding more playmakers on offense will be crucial for the Panthers to improve in the upcoming season.
