As the lights on Super Bowl LVII had faded, the focus of the NFL now starts to shift towards April—for the 2024 NFL draft.
So, with the combine set to kick off in less than two weeks, who should Carolina Panthers fans have their eyes on?
Here’s a post-Super Bowl, pre-combine mock to hold you off . . .
Pick No. 33 (Second round): Malik Washington, WR, Virginia
The Panthers, whose top target was a 33-year-old Adam Thielen, were laughably undermanned at the wideout position. This is, obviously, unacceptable if you want to help quarterback Bryce Young have any sort of success in this league.
Despite his size (5-foot-8, 194 pounds), Washington was one of the most productive and well-rounded receivers in college football—amassing 110 receptions for 1,426 yards and nine scores this past season. With his excellent route-running and playmaking abilities, he’s amongst the top separators in the class.
Pick No. 65 (Third round): Cooper Beebe, iOL, Kansas State
Perhaps the most prevalent theme of the 2023 Panthers offense was their lack of depth at both guard positions. With usual starters Brady Christensen and Austin Corbett missing the majority of the campaign, the interior line was essentially a rotating door of rotating doors.
While they’ll get those two back, Beebe would provide some much-needed backup. He is an absolute mean machine on the interior and was one of the most consistently dominant lineman across college football last season.
Beebe will be an immediate upgrade on the depth chart and could push for starting snaps quickly.
Pick No. 101 (Fourth round): Tanor Bortolini, iOL, Wisconsin
Although a fan favorite, center Bradley Bozeman also contributed to some of the shortcomings of the interior line. While he did flash remnants of his impressive 2022 campaign, the “White Rhino” struggled a bit in pass protection.
Bortolini could push Bozeman and provide excellent depth at multiple spots. Having played all across the offensive line for Wisconsin, he brings valuable experience, grit and versatility for a group that could use all the help it can get.
Pick No. 140 (Fifth round): Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon
Carolina was also left scrambling for depth at cornerback.
Jackson has excellent size (6-foot-3) and athleticism for the position, and would be a nice fit in Ejiro Evero’s defense.
Pick No. 164 (Fifth round): Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
You can’t really go wrong with double-dipping for pass catchers given the state of Carolina’s receiving room and the depth in this class.
Corley is an explosive yards-after-catch machine who can turn any touch into a big gain. He is a bit raw—but with the right coaching and scheme, he could eventually make an impact.
Pick No. 179 (Sixth round): Jaden Shirden, RB, Monmouth
Carolina could use more depth at the running back position and they can take a flyer with the explosive Shirden.
He dominated in his four seasons with the Hawks and can bring another level of explosion to the backfield.
