Panthers 7-round mock draft featuring only players from the Carolinas
There's enough talent from North Carolina and South Carolina in the 2024 NFL Draft that the Carolina Panthers, in theory, could select only players from the Carolinas and still come away with a nice draft haul. That's obviously not the approach the Panthers will take in the draft, but it would still be fun to […]
There's enough talent from North Carolina and South Carolina in the 2024 NFL Draft that the Carolina Panthers, in theory, could select only players from the Carolinas and still come away with a nice draft haul.
That's obviously not the approach the Panthers will take in the draft, but it would still be fun to take a look at what Carolina's draft haul could look like if they selected only players from North Carolina or South Carolina.
Here's a quick look at how the draft could play out in that scenario.
Round 2, pick 33: Xavier Legette — WR — South Carolina (Mullins, SC)
This would be a great selection for the Panthers regardless of where Legette was born. Carolina needs playmakers for QB Bryce Young. And Legette, who racked up 1,255 receiving yard for the Gamecocks in 2023, fits the bill. The 6-foot-3 WR would give Young a go-to option for years to come.
Round 2, pick 39: Payton Wilson — LB — NC State (Hillsborough, NC)
Wilson is a three down linebacker who has the talent to start in the NFL. The only question is his durability (Wilson has dealt with knee and shoulder issues, but he played in 12 games last season for the Wolfpack). Carolina has some aging linebackers so it wouldn't hurt to go ahead and address the position in the draft.
Round 3, pick 65: Devontez Walker — WR — North Carolina (Charlotte, NC)
Taking two WRs with their first three picks could be considered overkill, but why not stock up on exciting young WR talent? Plus, Walker would be a steal at this point in the third round. The Charlotte native is a touchdown machine and could be an ideal No. 3 option in the passing game from day one.
Round 4, pick 101: Jaylen Wright — RB — Tennessee (Durham, NC)
Wright looks like one of the most underrated players in the draft. The former Vol ran a 4.38 in the 40 yard dash at the draft combine and he had the longest broad jump of any running back. He's also excellent in pass protection and he was a threat to score every time he touched the ball in college.
Round 5, pick 141: Will Shipley — RB — Clemson (Weddington, NC)
Running backs with back to back picks? Why not? Shipley is supposed to be a poor man's Christian McCaffrey. And he could complement Wright's home run speed with his abilities in the passing game and his ability to pick up tough yards after the catch.
Round 5, pick 142: Malik Mustapha — S — Wake Forest — (Charlotte, NC)
Another homecoming. Mustapha played college football just up the road in Winston Salem, so I'm sure he wouldn't mind making the short drive down I-85 to return to Charlotte. Mustapha set a career high with 80 tackles last season, including 13 tackles against Syracuse in his final game with the Demon Deacons.
Round 7, pick 240: Xavier Thomas — DE — Clemson (Florence, SC)
The Panthers could certainly use some edge rusher help and Thomas wouldn't be a bad selection in the final round of the draft. The South Carolina native is a former five-star recruit who has the talent to be a contributor in the NFL, he just needs to find consistency while staying healthy.
The signing of Jadeveon Clowney means another hometown hero could also be returning soon
One hometown hero chose to play for the Carolina Panthers and another may be on the way.
