Picking the best round 5 draft targets for the Carolina Panthers ahead of 2024 NFL free agency

A central need for the Carolina Panthers is improvement on the offensive line. With the 2024 NFL Draft set for April 25-27, the Carolina Panthers have an opportunity to get better at critical positions.  In the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Panthers have a chance to make two selections. In total, the Panthers […]

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Nov 18, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes kicker Andres Borregales (30) celebrates with offensive lineman Javion Cohen (70) after scoring a game-tying field goal against the Louisville Cardinals during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Image via Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

A central need for the Carolina Panthers is improvement on the offensive line. 

With the 2024 NFL Draft set for April 25-27, the Carolina Panthers have an opportunity to get better at critical positions. 

In the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Panthers have a chance to make two selections. In total, the Panthers have six selections. Let's take a look at the two players the Panthers should look to target in the fifth round. 

The Panthers need to draft OL Javion Cohen in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft

The offensive line might have been one of the worst position groups for the Carolina Panthers in 2023. 

Drafting Javion Cohen could signal that the Panthers are finally willing to make improvements up front. 

Quarterback Bryce Young was one of the most sacked quarterbacks in the league. That was due to Ikem Ekwonu's sophomore. 

Drafting Cohen would be a development project for the Panthers, but the offensive line is a must-fix. 

Cohen is a three-year starter at left guard at Miami. Scouts view him as a player who is a "physical, heavy-handed and heavy-footed presence at guard who can bang and plug gaps against pure power rushers and run defenders."


The Panthers need to draft TE Dallin Holker in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft

CSU football's junior tight end Dallin Holker takes the field as one of the Rams' captains for the Border War against Wyoming at War Mermorial Stadium on Friday Nov. 3, 2023 in Laramie, Wyo.
CSU football’s junior tight end Dallin Holker takes the field as one of the Rams’ captains for the Border War against Wyoming at War Memorial Stadium on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, in Laramie, Wyo.Image via Cris Tiller/For the Coloradoan / USA TODAY NETWORK

Tight end help has been sorely lacking for the Carolina Panthers for several seasons. Dallin Holker could be a fifth-round answer to the equation. 

Holker put together an impressive 2023 season at Colorado State, netting 64 catches for 767 yards and seven touchdowns. 

With uncertainty around the return of Stephen Sullivan or Ian Thomas, drafting Holker could be a move that adds an interesting wrinkle to Dave Canales' offense. 

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Final word

The fifth round could be the most useful for the Panthers. Adding offensive line assurance and a tight end who can be a pass-catching threat would be what Young needs to be successful.