Panthers Offseason Summary After one week of free agency dealing, the Carolina Panthers' primary draft needs are Edge Rusher, Cornerback, and Offensive Tackle. Under new GM Dan Morgan and head coach Mike McDonald, the Panthers prioritized a complete defensive overhaul, signing stars like Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd, but the cost was a "roster-wide drain" of draft capital and offensive talent.
The Panthers went "all-in" on rebuilding their defense, committing nearly $300 million to land Jaelan Phillips (5 years, $135M) and Devin Lloyd (5 years, $92M). However, the trade of star receiver Diontae Johnson to the Patriots and the departure of starting cornerbacks have left massive holes. With no picks in the first three rounds, the Panthers must find starting-caliber talent on Day 3.
Franchise Needs
EDGE
CB
OT
WR
Free Agent Losses
WR Diontae Johnson (Trade), CB Jaycee Horn, CB Dane Jackson, S Xavier Woods, EDGE Jadeveon ClowneyFree Agent Gains
EDGE Jaelan Phillips, LB Devin Lloyd, C Luke Fortner, OT Rasheed Walker, OT Stone Forsythe, CB Cor'Dale FlottDraft Capital Overview
- Pick 19 (Round 1)
- Pick 51 (Round 2)
- Pick 83 (Round 3)
- Pick 119 (Round 4)
- Pick 158 (Round 5) via MIN
- Pick 159 (Round 5)
- Pick 200 (Round 6)
CAR Mock Draft Picks
Olaivavega Ioane
Interior stability remains one of the clearest themes in Carolina’s roster work. The Panthers have added Luke Fortner, Stone Forsythe, and Rasheed Walker as they keep building out the line, which makes a tone-setting guard like Ioane an easy fit with the direction of the offseason. His strength in the run game and anchor in protection would reinforce an offense still trying to become less fragile inside.
Kamari Ramsey
Secondary versatility continues shaping Carolina’s long-term defensive planning. Ramsey’s physical play style and assignment discipline provide developmental depth capable of expanding rotational flexibility. He profiles as a safety with incremental starter potential.
Jalon Kilgore
Coverage range and disguise versatility remain useful safety traits for Carolina’s defensive growth. Kilgore’s ball skills provide developmental back-end flexibility. He profiles as a rotational defensive back.