The Carolina Panthers’ 2024 season didn’t go as planned, finishing with a 5-12 record and placing third in the NFC South. Quarterback Bryce Young was benched at one point in favor of Andy Dalton, but eventually, the team decided to return to Young as their starter.
Looking ahead, all indications suggest that Young will remain the team’s quarterback, but the surrounding roster needs improvement to give him the best opportunity to succeed.
NFL draft analyst Chad Reuter recently highlighted the ideal first two picks for each NFL team. For the Panthers, he identified tight end Tyler Warren and defensive back Kevin Winston Jr. as the best options.
Reuter explained the selections as follows: While the Panthers may have greater roster needs than at tight end, Warren is too impactful to overlook. His role as a safety valve and red-zone threat would be beneficial for Bryce Young’s development. As for Winston, Reuter noted that the Panthers could pair him with free-agent addition Tre’von Moehrig to improve their secondary.
By selecting two players from the same school, the Panthers would follow a similar strategy to teams like the Rams and Jaguars, who did so in previous years.
Warren, despite the Panthers’ other needs, could be an ideal pick given his impressive skills.
In 2024, Warren posted 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns, leading the Big Ten in receptions and finishing seventh in Heisman voting. Along with his pass-catching ability, Warren also rushed for 218 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing his versatility.
He’s also an excellent blocker, making him a strong candidate to thrive both as an in-line tight end and in the slot.
Winston, a college teammate of Warren, had an injury-shortened 2024 season but showed promise when healthy. He played only three games but recorded 13 tackles and earned a 61.2 Pro Football Focus grade.
In 2023, he played 13 games, tallying 61 tackles, three tackles for loss, one interception, and five pass deflections. Winston is known for his sure tackling and his willingness to meet ball carriers in space.
Both Warren and Winston could step into significant roles immediately. The Panthers currently have Tommy Tremble slated as their starting tight end, but Warren offers a much higher ceiling and could quickly become a top target for Young.
Winston, on the other hand, could start alongside Moehrig, giving the Panthers a solid safety duo.
