Breaking:Panthers: 3 too soon focuses in 2024 NFL Draft got to finish in time

Jets: Running back Dalvin Cook was active, but did not play. Defensive end Jermaine Johnson started. He had three solo tackles, a pass defended, a fumble recovery, and an interception which he returned 37 yards for a touchdown.

The Carolina Panthers have several pressing needs across their roster on both sides of the ball. In order to compete next season, they will need to address as many of these areas as possible between free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft.

Unfortunately for the Panthers, they do not have a first-round pick in 2024 after trading it along with wide receiver DJ Moore to the Chicago Bears as part of the deal that secured them the rights to draft Bryce Young last season.

While securing a franchise quarterback is essential, Young has struggled to live up to expectations on a roster that is lacking in talent around him. To rub salt in the wound, the pick that Carolina traded to Chicago ended up being the first overall pick in the 2024 draft.

The Panthers have plenty of needs. Among their needs are pass protectors for Young and running backs to take the pressure off their young QB and diversify their offense.

Let’s take a look at some players the Panthers should be targeting in Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Amarius Mims will likely be a late first-round or early second-round draft pick, and he could provide protection for Young’s blindside for the next decade. Physically, Mims has everything that you want in a prospect. He’s strong, physical, and extremely athletic for his size. What Mims doesn’t have is significant experience and the accompanying game tape.

If Mims is viewed as too raw of a player, this could cause him to fall slightly in the draft, which in turn could leave him still available when Carolina is on the clock. If the Panthers get lucky and find themselves in this scenario, they should be sprinting to turn in their card and add Mims to the roster.

If there is any player in this year’s draft who could be reasonably available late in the first round and is worthy of surrendering assets to trade up, Mims would be that player. This pick would not only be an investment in Mims, but it would also be an investment in Young as their franchise quarterback