Panthers 3-Round Mock Draft: Carolina Prioritizing Weapons for Bryce Young
By Jovan Alford
2. Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri (Round 2, Pick 39)
With their second pick in the second round, the Panthers bolster their defensive line with the selection of former Mizzou standout Darius Robinson. It was tempting to pick cornerback at No. 39, especially with Max Melton, or linebacker Payton Wilson.
However, the Panthers need to add more pass rushers to the defensive line after trading Brian Burns to the New York Giants. Robinson is one of those defensive prospects that could go in the first round, so we are getting lucky at No. 39.
The 6-foot-5 defensive end is coming off an outstanding 2023 season with Mizzou, posting 43 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks. The first-team All-SEC defensive lineman is a game wrecker, has a good get-off, and a relentless motor that would complement Derrick Brown in the middle of the defensive line.
The last time the Panthers drafted a defensive end was in 2022 when they took Amare Barno in the sixth round. However, the last time Carolina used a top-40 pick on a defensive lineman was Derrick Brown (No. 7) and Yetur Gross-Mator (No. 38) in 2020.
If the Panthers want to compete in the NFC South for the foreseeable future, it starts by winning the war in the trenches.