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Carolina Panthers 2024 Six Round NFL Mock Draft (1.0)

Round 2, Pick 33: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

The former five star prospect Kool-Aid McKinstry is coming off a very solid college career at the University of Alabama. In his three years at Bama, McKinstry had 93 total tackles, two interceptions, and 23 passes defended. McKinstry is projected to go late first to early second round and looks to be exactly what the Carolina Panthers need.

McKinstry did not participate at the combine due to a foot injury but is expected to be at Alabama's pro day. It's said that McKinstry has an elite football IQ, and going off of tape looks to be the perfect option to put across the field from Jaycee Horn. McKinstry's 6'0 frame and long reach makes him exceptional at breaking up passes. At Alabama, McKinstry looked very comfortable in both man and zone coverage and showed great ability to read the quarterback. If McKinstry falls out of the first, it should be a no-brainer for the Panthers to select him and replace departing corner Donte Jackson.

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

To put it bluntly, Xavier Legette and the Panthers are a match made in heaven. Legette has the potential to be an elite NFL wide receiver and would be a great addition alongside Diontae Johnson. In his senior year at the University of South Carolina, Legette put up insane numbers totaling 71 receptions, 1,255 yards, and 7 touchdowns. However, the biggest indication of Legette's ability was him having a QB rating of 127.1 when targeted.

Legette's size and elite straight line speed give him the ability to not only bully corners on contested balls, but also run right by them. Legette's 4.39 40 yard dash at the combine may result in him being taken higher than expected, but if he falls to where he's projected, the Panthers likely jump at the opportunity to take him without hesitation.

Round 3, Pick 65: Adisa Isaac, EDGE, Penn State

After the departure of pro bowler and defensive captain Brian Burns,the Panthers need serious help on the edge. I believe Penn State standout Adisa Isaac is the right man for the job. The 6'5 250 lb defensive end battled back from a torn achilles early in his college career and turned into one of the best pass rushers in the nation. Isaac totaled 37 tackles and 7.5 sacks his senior year as well as showing flashes of elite hand technique and ability to be a very solid run defender.

Isaac showed great determination and will to come back even stronger from such a major injury. Panthers new GM Dan Morgan has stated his need for "dawgs" on the roster and Isaac has shown more than that in his time at Penn State. He'll still have many things to work on after he's drafted but with the right system and coaching he could turn into a big problem for opposing linemen.

Round 4, Pick 100: Jeremiah Trotter Jr, LB, Clemson

Continuing with the Panthers need for "dawgs", say hello to Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Arguably the heart of Clemson's defense for the last two years, Trotter Jr. has consistently shown his high motor and never take a play off attitude. In his college career, Trotter Jr. posted 192 total tackles, 13 sacks, 4 interceptions, and 10 passes defended. The potential to be an elite coverage linebacker is clear with Trotter Jr. and effort will never be a concern.

Trotter is a sneaky good blitzer and can deliver powerful hits for his smaller size. The only concern is that he's not the most physically gifted player but it hopefully won't be that much of a problem. For a 4th round pick, Trotter jr. could turn into a late round gem for Carolina.

Round 5, Pick 141: Tommy Eichenberg, LB, Ohio State

With their last few picks of the draft I expect the Panthers to add some much needed depth on their roster starting with Ohio State linebacker Tommy Eichenburg.  The departures of Brian Burns, Frankie Luvu, and Jeremy Chinn has left the linebacker room super thin and you can't go wrong swinging late in the draft for potential replacements. Eichenberg is a solid run defender with a thick frame, he has potential to be good in coverage against running backs and tight ends but will still need a lot of work.

Round 5, Pick 142: Nathan Thomas, OT, Louisiana

Louisiana tackle Nathan Thomas is a very large human that's actually very mobile. The 6'5 330 lb tackle has shown good ability to get out and block in the screen game as well as the strength to grab and hold defensive linemen in place. The Panthers need to develop a short pass game to help Bryce Young and Thomas could be a solid potential fit. It will be a while before he gets any playing time (barring injuries) but he could turn into a decent NFL offensive linemen with the right development.

Round 6, Pick 177: Frank Gore Jr, RB, Southern Miss

The last pick of the Panthers draft and another depth move, Southern Miss running back Frank Gore Jr. Like his father, Gore Jr. is a short, stout running back who looks for contact and excels as a blocker. Gore Jr. had a great college career at Southern Miss, putting up a career statline of 4,022 rushing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 5.3 yards per carry. He's a decent prospect that could add some solid depth to the Panthers somewhat thin running back room with Chuba Hubbard and Raheem Blackshear.