TheSpecialJuan

With the remaining offseason priorities now clearly defined — these remaining needs will now shift to being addressed in the NFL Draft. - Start grooming a new QB2 - Bring in a speedy safety with range - Go YAC hunting At this point, it feels like the Panthers’ first-round pick will likely come down to either a safety with range (McNeil-Warren/Thieneman) or a wide receiver who can create after the catch (Concepcion/Cooper) and add explosive play ability to the offense.

Since this January 22nd outlook from Joe Person, the Panthers have already taken significant steps to address several of those primary offseason needs. The addition of Jaelan Phillips immediately elevates the pass rush, Devin Lloyd strengthens the off-ball linebacker group, and the signing of Rasheed Walker provides a stopgap at left tackle. Separately, Jalen Coker remains in the team’s long-term plans and is expected to be extended later.

1) Improve the pass rush The Panthers didn’t get much at all from DJ Wonnum or Pat Jones, who played in only four games before undergoing back surgery. The Panthers could try to take a big swing at free-agent Trey Hendrickson, but Jaelan Phillips is younger and had one of his best seasons in Miami under Vic Fangio, whose scheme is similar to Evero’s. 2) Find a left tackle stopgap Morgan has already invested a lot in the offensive line, and has a decision to make on free-agent center Cade Mays. Morgan said he planned to add to the line even before Ekwonu’s injury. Now it’s a necessity, whether through the draft or by signing a swing tackle in free agency. 3) Sign an off-ball linebacker who can cover The Panthers signed Christian Rozeboom as a depth linebacker last offseason, but the former Ram was thrust into the starting lineup due to Josey Jewell’s concussion issues. Rozeboom, a free agent this winter, was solid against the run, leading the team with 122 tackles and coming up with three takeaways. But he was a liability in coverage, which Matthew Stafford exposed on the Rams’ game-winning drive. Trevin Wallace also failed to take a step forward before a shoulder injury ended his season. 4) Start grooming a new QB2 Seven hundred words into this and we’ve yet to mention Bryce Young, whose improvement in his third season helped snap a seven-year playoff drought. While it’s not at the top of the priority list, the Panthers are talking about developing another QB behind Young. Andy Dalton has been a strong mentor for Young, but he’ll be 39 in October and Morgan indicated he wants to 5) Bring in a speedy safety with range This is another one that I’m pretty sure was on the list last year, when the Panthers in fact addressed the position in free agency and the draft. And while Tre’von Moehrig and Lathan Ransom were good pickups, both are physical players whose strengths are run support, arriving at the ball in a bad mood and blitzing effectively. The Panthers could use a rangy, post safety to patrol the back end in Evero’s single-high looks. Nick Scott, a pending free agent, had that spot last season when he started 17 games and racked up 111 tackles, both career highs. Dave Canales loves Scott’s leadership, and — like Rozeboom — I could see him back in a rotational role. 6) Lock up Jalen Coker long term Coker, who had nine receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown in the playoff loss to the Rams, is an exclusive rights free agent this offseason. So the Panthers could offer him a one-year deal at the league minimum and Coker wouldn’t be able to negotiate with other teams. But why not reward a player who heeded Canales’ message to get in better shape, and do so before his price goes up? 7) Go YAC hunting The Panthers will look to continue to stack playmakers around Young, with fans often asking about tight end. But I get the sense the Panthers are more interested in adding a fast, shifty wideout they can use on jets sweeps and bubble screens, and count on for yards after catch. It’s how Canales often used rookie Jimmy Horn this season. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6989897/2026/01/22/panthers-offseason-priorities-edge-rusher-left-tackle/

Absolutely, very fair assessment of the team.

QB Haynes King Behren Morton Diego Pavia RB Kaelon Black WR Deion Burks KC Concepcion (local) Denzel Boston Omar Cooper, Jr.* TE Oscar Delp Dae'Quan Wright Justin Joly OT Travis Burke Max Iheanachor OL Chase Bisontis DL Chris McClellan Tyler Onyedim S AJ Haulcy Jalon Kilgore (local) Treydan Stukes

Panthers 2024 Draft Visit Tracker (via Walter Football) Source Trey Benson, Running Back, Florida State (T30) Austin Booker, Defensive End, Kansas (COM, T30) Jonathon Brooks, Running Back, Texas (T30) Edgerrin Cooper, Linebacker, Texas A&M (T30) Malachi Corley, Wide Receiver, Western Kentucky (T30) Braden Fiske, Defensive Tackle, Florida State (COM, T30) Troy Franklin, Wide Receiver, Oregon (T30) Marshawn Kneeland, Defensive End, Western Michigan (COM, T30) Xavier Legette, Wide Receiver, South Carolina (LOC) Jalen McMillan, Wide Receiver, Washington (T30) Jordan Morgan, Offensive Tackle, Arizona (T30) Ruke Orhorhoro, Defensive Tackle, Clemson (T30) Jackson Powers-Johnson, Center, Oregon (T30) Brenden Rice, Wide Receiver, USC (T30) Ja’Tavion Sanders, Tight End, Texas (T30) Ben Sinnott, Tight End, Kansas State (T30) Maason Smith, Defensive Tackle, LSU (T30) Trevin Wallace, Linebacker, LSU (T30) Final list of reported top-30 visits for the Panthers ahead of the 2025 NFL draft RB Ollie Gordon (Oklahoma State) RB Jarquez Hunter (Auburn) RB RJ Harvey (Central Florida) RB TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State) WR Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona) WR Jaylin Noel (Iowa State) TE Terrance Ferguson (Oregon) OL Aireontae Ersery (Minnesota) DL Deone Walker (Kentucky) DL Cam Jackson (Florida) DL Warren Brinson (Georgia) DL Walter Nolen (Ole Miss) EDGE Princely Umanmielen (Ole Miss) EDGE Oluwafemi Oladejo (UCLA) EDGE Ashton Gillotte (Louisville) EDGE Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M) EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College) EDGE Bradyn Swinson (LSU) EDGE Que Robinson (Alabama) LB Shemar James (Florida) LB Carson Schwesinger (UCLA) CB Quincy Riley (Louisville) S Jonas Sanker (Virginia) https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/panthers/2025/04/17/nfl-draft-rumors-list-top-30-visits-panthers/83134169007/

https://x.com/threesandtds24/status/2042337077124325819?s=46&t=xeIgh_-Vr2aKxBkBJdfnKA

The Denzel Boston news today puts us at a total of 20/30 and 4 local private visits reported with the #Panthers QB Haynes King Behren Morton Diego Pavia RB Kaelon Black WR Denzel Boston Deion Burks KC Concepcion* Omar Cooper, Jr. TE Oscar Delp Justin Joly Dae'Quan Wright OT Travis Burke Max Iheanachor OL Chase Bisontis DL Nick Barrett* Chris McClellan Tyler Onyedim Domonique Orange OLB Keyron Crawford CB Jermod McCoy Karon Prunty* S AJ Haulcy Jalon Kilgore* Treydan Stukes https://x.com/panthersanalyst/status/2042274226317758807?s=46&t=xeIgh_-Vr2aKxBkBJdfnKA

I hate it

https://x.com/panthersontap/status/2042205457771610607?s=46&t=xeIgh_-Vr2aKxBkBJdfnKA

Reid: “Adding another playmaker for Bryce Young is viewed as essential.” “It’s possible they draft a receiver in round one.” “The team is reportedly high on Oscar Delp.”

https://x.com/collegefbportal/status/2041640301027348652?s=46&t=xeIgh_-Vr2aKxBkBJdfnKA

https://x.com/panthersanalyst/status/2041654821170909404?s=46&t=xeIgh_-Vr2aKxBkBJdfnKA

R. Jay Soward

Pavia might not be a draftable player but I like him, he has the confidence I wish Bryce would have.

This was Mike's final mock for 2025 draft: Panthers mock draft: A trade in the first round The Panthers trade the eighth and 57th overall picks to the Miami Dolphins for the 13th, 48th and 98th overall picks, plus a 2026 third-round pick First round, 13th overall (via Miami): Donovan Ezeiruaku, OLB, Boston College Second round, 48th overall (via Miami): Carson Schwesinger, ILB, UCLA Third round, 74th overall: Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State Third round, 98th overall (via Miami): Nohl Williams, CB, California Fourth round, 111th overall: Billy Bowman, S, Oklahoma Fourth round, 114th overall (via Dallas): Jonas Sanker, S, Virginia Fifth round, 140th overall (via New York Giants): Devin Neal, RB, Kansas Fifth round, 146th overall: Mitchell Evans, TE, Notre Dame (nailed the player and round) Fifth round, 163rd overall (via Baltimore): Hollin Pierce, OT, Rutgers Seventh round, 230th overall (via Arizona): Andres Borregales, K, Miami https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article304341941.html

Round 1 19th overall: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon If Panthers head coach Dave Canales wants an immediate impact player in the first round of the draft, he should look no further than Thieneman. The Panthers can afford to upgrade over the recently retained Nick Scott, and Thieneman would be an excellent piece next to Tre’von Moehrig on the back end of the defense. Three-safety looks with Moehrig, Thieneman and Lathan Ransom would have a bit more range, as the Oregon defensive back has coverage ability that eludes the current depth chart at the position Round 2 51st overall: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama The Panthers are self-aware when it comes to the wide receiver position. While Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker clearly impressed last season, there’s still something missing in the Panthers’ aerial attack. The team brought in John Metchie, a yards-after-catch (YAC) weapon, in free agency, but they’d probably like to upgrade the third starting spot with someone who can make up for where 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette has come up short over the past two years. Bernard is a quick, versatile receiver who can be used all over the field. The 6- foot, 206-pound playmaker can work on the outside and in the slot, and he’s shown the ability to produce YAC with regularity. Rotating Bernard and Coker inside and outside, opposite McMillan, could create some mismatches in coverage and allow quarterback Bryce Young to spread the ball around even further. Round 3 83rd overall: Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State Hecht is an athletic, technique-driven lineman who could be a logical long-term starter in Brad Idzik’s offense. Hecht, listed as 6-foot-4 and 303 pounds, has impressive movement at the position (5.1-second 40-yard dash and a 1.76-second 10-yard split) and played in 42 games during his four-year college career at Kansas State. The Panthers need to infuse cheap youth into the line, and having Fortner would allow Carolina to onboard Hecht at his own pace. Round 4 119th overall: Kaleb Proctor, DE, Southeastern Louisiana The Panthers find an A’Shawn Robinson replacement at the start of Day 3. While Proctor was a big fish in a smaller pond, his 16 career sacks and 26 total tackles for loss were impressive marks for an interior lineman. Proctor has long arms (33 inches), and his 6-foot-2, 291-pound frame should fit in well in multiple spots along the defensive front. Proctor would be a nice complement for Derrick Brown and Turk Wharton in third-down packages. He’d also make sense on early downs as a “fastball” rusher opposite Derrick and Bobby Brown. Round 5 158th overall: (via Minnesota): Kaleb Elarms-Orr, ILB, TCU After splitting his college career between Cal and TCU, Elarms-Orr could enter the offseason program as competition for Trevin Wallace in the starting lineup, or at the very least, push Claudin Cherelus for the third linebacker spot. 159th overall: Josh Cuevas, TE, Alabama The Panthers could always use more splash on offense. With Young entering an all-important campaign at quarterback, the more weapons, the better for the playmaker. Cuevas produced 53 catches for 629 yards and five touchdowns during his two-year run in Tuscaloosa. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound playmaker, who is from Los Angeles, could make sense as competition for Ja’Tavion Sanders and Mitchell Evans opposite Tommy Tremble this summer. Round 6 200th overall: Hezekiah Masses, CB, California The Panthers should feel pretty good about their immediate cornerback depth chart heading into 2026. With Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson on the outside, and Chau Smith-Wade and Corey Thornton available for nickel looks, the unit runs at least four deep. They also brought back Akayleb Evans and Robert Rochell in free agency. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article315213471.html

That was a fun watch

Here is 2025 30-visit list: RB Ollie Gordon (Oklahoma State) RB Jarquez Hunter (Auburn) RB RJ Harvey (Central Florida) RB TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State) WR Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona) WR Jaylin Noel (Iowa State) TE Terrance Ferguson (Oregon) OL Aireontae Ersery (Minnesota) DL Deone Walker (Kentucky) DL Cam Jackson (Florida) DL Warren Brinson (Georgia) DL Walter Nolen (Ole Miss) EDGE Princely Umanmielen (Ole Miss) EDGE Oluwafemi Oladejo (UCLA) EDGE Ashton Gillotte (Louisville) EDGE Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M) EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College) EDGE Bradyn Swinson (LSU) EDGE Que Robinson (Alabama) LB Shemar James (Florida) LB Carson Schwesinger (UCLA) CB Quincy Riley (Louisville) S Jonas Sanker (Virginia) https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/panthers/2025/04/17/nfl-draft-rumors-list-top-30-visits-panthers/83134169007/

https://x.com/aryepullinfl/status/2041294696824152478?s=46&t=xeIgh_-Vr2aKxBkBJdfnKA

I have the #Panthers with 11/30 visits reported: OL Chase Bisontis RB Kaelon Black OT Travis Burke WR Omar Cooper, Jr. TE Oscar Delp S AJ Haulcy QB Haynes King DL Chris McClellan QB Behren Morton DL Tyler Onyedim TE Dae'Quan Wright https://x.com/panthersanalyst/status/2041286177370800627?s=46&t=xeIgh_-Vr2aKxBkBJdfnKA

https://x.com/threesandtds24/status/2041179291719963079?s=46&t=xeIgh_-Vr2aKxBkBJdfnKA