Since we wrote ’em up a to-do list, we have to provide a list of draft no-nos for Carolina Panthers.
Here are four things the team should not do during the annual announcing of names:
Don't trade up
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The Panthers embarked on the most ambitious trade-up in the draft last year. So, it’s safe to say that they don’t have the ammunition nor the motivation to do so for a second straight spring.
Carolina’s restructure shouldn’t be a rushed one, especially with a first-year general manager and a first-year head coach. When you’re in the position they’re in, searching for an identity around their second-year quarterback, you can’t afford to lose ground on more draft capital.
Plus, this class is quite deep at a few positions of need for this roster. Just stay put or move back for more.
Don't rule out defense in the second round
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Speaking of deep, this board could see some first-round-caliber cornerbacks or pass rushers fall into the second round. And given their needs at both of those premium spots, the Panthers may have a premium opportunity to fill one with the 33rd or 39th overall pick.
Of course the main focus for Carolina will be on what they end up getting for quarterback Bryce Young. That usually happens to teams that finish dead-last in offense.
But despite allowing the fourth-fewest yards in 2023, the Panthers defense recorded the fewest sacks and the fewest takeaways. They can’t just simply commit to devoting both of their second-rounders to the offense.
If a chance to swipe a potential playmaker is there, they have to consider it.
Don't reach at TE
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The Panthers haven’t had any real production out of their tight ends since Greg Olsen was around. So, yeah, the hankering for an actual pass catcher at the position is as strong as ever.
This class, however, doesn’t present them with a whole lot of appealing options. Outside of All-American Brock Bowers, there doesn’t seem to be a sure thing at tight end.
Wait for the player to come to you. And if he doesn’t, Tommy Tremble may not be the worst guy to roll with heading into 2024.
Don't reach at RB
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The running back class is essentially the opposite of the tight end class. There’s no clear consensus to which rusher tops them all, but there are more than a handful of intriguing later-round prospects.
If you think the answer out of the backfield in Carolina isn’t one of Chuba Hubbard or Miles Sanders, you’re probably not alone. But on the other hand, one is coming off a career campaign and one is coming in with a ton to prove.
While their running back situation isn’t the absolute worst in the NFL, it could benefit from a bigger-bodied ball carrier who can help them improve in short-yardage spots. They should be able to find a guy without having to reach for him.
