“Panthers Hit the Jackpot with Perfect Draft Picks: Elite Tight End and Playmaking Defensive Back”
The 2024 season didn’t go as planned for the Carolina Panthers, finishing with a disappointing 5-12 record and third place in the NFC South. After struggling with quarterback play, Bryce Young was benched for Andy Dalton but eventually reclaimed the starting role. With Young poised to remain the future of the franchise, the focus now shifts to building a stronger roster around him. Enter the NFL draft.
Chad Reuter, a well-respected NFL draft analyst, recently pinpointed the ideal first two picks for the Panthers. In an exciting draft scenario, he has the Panthers selecting tight end Tyler Warren and defensive back Kevin Winston Jr., two players who could have an immediate and significant impact on the team.
Warren, a standout tight end from Penn State, could be just the weapon the Panthers need. While tight end might not be Carolina’s biggest need, Warren’s combination of skill and versatility makes him an undeniable asset. In 2024, he had a sensational season, catching 104 passes for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns, leading the Big Ten in receptions. He even finished seventh in Heisman Trophy voting, an impressive feat for a tight end. Warren isn’t just a pass-catcher—he also rushed for 218 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing his dynamic playmaking ability. As a blocker, he excels and could be a key piece both in-line and in the slot, making him a perfect safety valve and red-zone threat for Bryce Young as he enters his third season.
Meanwhile, Winston, a defensive back from Penn State and Warren’s college teammate, brings much-needed playmaking ability to the Panthers’ defense. Though Winston missed much of the 2024 season due to injury, his 2023 performance was strong, racking up 61 tackles, three tackles for loss, and five pass deflections. Winston’s ability to secure tackles and his fearlessness in coverage could pair perfectly with Tre’von Moehrig, the Panthers’ free-agent safety addition. Together, they could form a solid and formidable safety duo in Carolina’s secondary.
This draft scenario would see the Panthers land two immediate contributors who could make a huge difference in 2025. While Tommy Tremble is currently the Panthers’ starting tight end, Warren’s potential as a top target is undeniable. Similarly, Winston could slot in as a starter and quickly form a dynamic duo with Moehrig, transforming the Panthers’ defense. If these picks come to fruition, Carolina could take a significant step forward and give Bryce Young the support he needs to succeed