Carolina Panthers 7-Round Mock Draft: One Week Away Edition

A full projection of Panthers picks.

Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus (DL04) works out during / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It's officially mock draft season here at All Panthers on FanNation/SI. Each week leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft, we will release a new full, seven-round Carolina Panthers mock.

RD 2, Pick 33: C Zach Frazier, West Virginia

Getting familiar with this guy yet? If not, you probably should. Some draft analysts are now projecting Frazier to go in the first round, so that’s why we’re moving him back up to 33 this week. If he makes it to the second round, Carolina should phone it in the second night one ends. It’s not worth risking that he falls to 39. Go get the center of the present and future.

RD 2, Pick 39: WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina

Legette is a fringe first round pick, but of the borderline first/second round receivers I can see him being the one that slides to this spot. The Panthers seem to love his traits and aren’t concerned about him being a one-hit wonder in college.

PROJECTED TRADE!

Ravens get: Picks No. 65, No. 240

Panthers get: Picks No. 93, No. 130, and 2025 3rd rounder

RD 3, Pick 93: CB D.J. James, Auburn

After staying put with the first two picks, we now make a move to pick up some additional ammo. With the 93rd pick, I’m going with D.J. James. Dan Morgan made it lear he wants playmakers and James is exactly that. He reeled in three interceptions over the last two years at Auburn with 18 passes defended. There’s more in the tank for James, too. 

RD 4, Pick 101: EDGE Brandon Dorlus, Oregon

Dorlus is an interesting prospect in that Evero will likely have his choice of how he will be used. Can play both inside and out, but may need to add a little weight if he shifts inside completely. He recorded five sacks in 2023, so there’s some belief that he can offer an interior pass rushing presence to the group.

RD 4, Pick 130: TE Theo Johnson, Penn State

A huge target for Bryce Young? You got it. Johnson checks in at 6-foot-6, 260 pounds, yet moves really well for his size. He ran a 4.57 forty at the Combine with a 10-yard split of 1.55. Johnson hauled in seven touchdowns in 2023 on 34 receptions - pretty good production considering the lack of volume. 

RD 5 Pick 141: RB Audric Estimé, Notre Dame

After hearing Dave Canales say that they would like to challenge every position with competition, I immediately thought center and running back - two spots that aren’t in dire need of a starter but could certaintly use a rookie with potential. Estime won’t be asked to do much in year one behind Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders, but he can do “the dirty work” and save hits on the top two backs.

RD 5, Pick 142: LB Tyrice Knight, UTEP

Knight tested well at the Combine, helping raise his draft stock from late day three to early-mid day three. This kid is a tackling machine, snatching 390 tackles for his career. As a senior, he totaled 140 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, seven passes defended, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He’s all over the place, but still has some room to grow.