Dave Canales is the fourth head coach in the last three seasons in Carolina. He led a rebirth for the Seattle Seahawks Geno Smith in 2022 and for Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay in 2023. In 2024, Canales is charged with rescuing former #1 draft pick, quarterback Bryce Young. To accomplish this task, the Panthers will need to add some support on both sides of the ball.
Let’s play it out!
2.33 – Graham Barton, OL, Duke
I believe that Graham Barton will be a first-round pick, but based on the first 32 picks from the Dynasty Nerds crew, he was still available. My favorite part about Graham Barton is his positional fluidity. He has experience at center and left tackle, but many scouts believe he is capable at all five lineman spots. The Panthers seemingly have their offensive line filled (Ekwonu, Lewis, Corbett, Hunt, Moton), but if anyone gets hurt or struggles (ahem, ahem – Ekwonu), Barton will be ready to step up and keep the ball rolling. This pick would further protect Bryce Young.
2.39 – Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Keon Coleman propaganda II
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) April 4, 2024
My heart likes Keon Coleman far more than my head says it should, so I will be re-posting anything that makes my heart feel better about that state.
Like this move on the defender after the catch: pic.twitter.com/0uDCx1dJ5l
Based on how the board falls, the Panthers should come away from picks 33 and 39 with a wide receiver. On this mock, the best one available at 39 (in my eyes) is Keon Coleman. Sure, Coleman is raw and needs development, especially in the nuances of his route running. Keon Coleman can do many things that cannot be taught. His play speed is phenomenal. Coleman’s catch radius is immense. His agility is impressive, especially for his size. Many analysts are down on Coleman, but I like his upside here.
3.65 – Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
If Sanders makes it to this pick, Dan Morgan will sprint to Detroit to turn in this pick by hand. Ja’Tavion’s flaw is his blocking, which he needs to improve upon. The Panthers have tight ends who can block, but they don’t have tight ends who are capable of being a threat down the field or in open space. Sanders has a chance to be a quality weapon, which Bryce Young needs.
4.101 – Marshawn Lloyd, RB, USC
Once MarShawn Lloyd learns to take care of the ball better, the sky is the limit for him. pic.twitter.com/DOq4DoFZ0P
— Zazzy (@ZazzyJets) April 4, 2024
With the first day three pick, the Panthers select Marshawn Lloyd. Lloyd would immediately compete with Miles Sanders and Chuba Hubbard to be RB1, a job he could win (or at least be heavily involved in the rotation). Lloyd can do a bit of everything: run between the tackles, catch, make people miss in space. Marshawn Lloyd would be a very nice addition to the Panthers running back room.
5.141 – Zak Zinter, IOL, Michigan
Once I get to day three, I look for upside. Zinter has it. Coming off a serious leg injury against Ohio State, Zinter will fall in the draft. The Panthers aren’t going to need him right away; however, 2025 would be a great ETA for Zinter. Assumed starting center Austin Corbett will be a free agent at the end of the season. The Panthers would be in a great spot to allow Zinter to rehab, transition to the NFL game without pressure, and compete for the starting center job in 2025.
5.142 – Javon Solomon, Edge, Troy
Javon Solomon, EDGE, Troy💎
— Sterling Bennett (@49ers_Access) April 6, 2024
• 6’0, 246lbs
• Converted off ball LB
• Long arms (almost 34 inch arms)
•Extreme bend/Explosive
• Role player (think Nwosu or Uche)
• Good 1st step
• Pure pass rusher
• 19% pass rush win rate & 16 sacks#49ers | #FTTBpic.twitter.com/m5QzfVpbLe
Solomon’s combine was not ideal. Despite a 4.72 40-yard dash, he showed some explosion with a 37-inch vertical. He was productive in college, highlighted by 16 sacks in 2023 (although not against the best competition). Solomon has a chance to develop into a rotation pass rusher, which is exactly what the Panthers would be looking for with this selection.
7.240 – Johnny Dixon, CB, Penn State
If you must reach for need, the seventh round is a fine place to do it. The hit rate on seventh-rounders is so low anyway. The Panthers need corner depth, and that’s what this would be. Dixon lacks elite speed and fluidity, but if he has to fill in for a few snaps, I think he is competitive enough to hold his own. He will also contribute on special teams.
Conclusion
Help Bryce Young. That will be the mantra inside the Carolina Panthers draft room, and I think we did a pretty solid job: two offensive linemen and three new weapons. I swung for the upside, but we’ll see how safe the Panthers regime plays it. This team is so depleted of talent that you cannot afford to miss within the first four picks. You need to come away with four players capable of being starters.
