Who's the Pick at 39 for the Panthers?

Looking at what direction the Panthers could go in with their second-round pick.

Once Carolina takes their quarterback with the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, they'll look to add more young weapons around him and supply some more help on defense.

GM Scott Fitterer did a nice job addressing several of the Panthers' biggest needs in free agency, giving them flexibility in the draft and being able to in most cases, take the best player available. 

So, where does Carolina go with their second-round choice at No. 39?

The fact of the matter is, they can go just about anywhere. Inside linebacker, edge rusher, wide receiver, tight end, and maybe even corner if there's someone there they like. Corner is a position they'll likely address in the later rounds, so to me, it's one of the other four aforementioned positions.

Wide Receiver

Josh Downs (North Carolina), Jalin Hyatt (Tennessee), Jordan Addison (USC), Zay Flowers (Boston College)

Addison and Flowers may go in the first but there's a chance they slide into the second. Downs (Mr. YAC), and Hyatt, your vertical threat, are the more realistic options for the Panthers at No. 39. 

Tight End

Michael Mayer (Notre Dame), Darnell Washington (Georgia), Sam LaPorta (Iowa)

Mayer is a first-round talent but as deep as this tight end class is, teams will likely pass on the position in the first round to address another need. Dalton Kincaid won't get out of the first because the Packers, among others, will target him. Darnell Washington is a freak athlete that will end up having a much better NFL career than collegiate career. LaPorta may be a name to watch in a trade-back scenario but is a talent certainly worth mentioning.

Inside Linebacker

Drew Sanders (Arkansas), Daiyan Henley (Washington State), Jack Campbell (Iowa)

Sanders and Campbell are more ideal options as a MIKE linebacker, but Henley can slide inside as well. He played much of this past season as a weakside backer and was unquestionably the Cougars' best tackler. The Panthers brought him in for a visit, so we know there is some interest there. Sanders is a bit of a late bloomer but has a very high ceiling. Campbell may be the best pure tackler in the draft, recording 265 tackles over the past two seasons. 

Edge Rusher

BJ Ojulari (LSU), Derick Hall (Auburn), Felix Anudike-Uzomah (Kansas State), Will McDonald IV (Iowa State)

Carolina could still use another pass rusher opposite Brian Burns and there will be more than a few options on the board in the second round. If either Will McDonald IV or Felix Anudike-Uzomah are still available, it's going to be hard for the Panthers to pass on. Over the past three seasons, McDonald registered 27 sacks and 33.5 tackles for loss. Anudike-Uzomah is not far off totaling 20.5 sacks and 26.5 tackles for loss.

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