Panthers make Jaycee Horn’s dreams come true in new CBS Sports mock draft
Carolina Panthers’ Unexpected Rise Shifts Draft Focus to Defensive Reinforcements
For years, Carolina Panthers fans circled the NFL draft calendar with a sense of grim familiarity. A losing record meant a high draft pick, and a high draft pick meant another year of hoping for a franchise savior. But this year feels different. The Panthers, defying preseason expectations, are firmly in the playoff conversation, a surprising development that’s subtly altering their approach to the upcoming draft.
From Bottom Feeders to Playoff Contenders
Just a season ago, the Panthers were almost guaranteed to be picking near the top of the draft. Now, sitting just half a game out of first place in the NFC South – a position they could improve upon this weekend against the New Orleans Saints – the team’s focus is shifting from rebuilding to reinforcing a roster that’s already exceeding expectations. This dramatic turnaround, spearheaded by head coach Dave Canales, has caught many by surprise. Canales, who previously revitalized the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has instilled a winning culture in Charlotte, and the team is responding.
The Panthers’ success isn’t just about luck. It’s a testament to smart coaching, improved player performance, and a growing sense of belief within the organization. While the team’s offensive line still presents challenges, the defense has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in pressuring the quarterback. However, it’s the secondary that’s increasingly identified as an area needing further attention.
Cornerback Concerns and the Avieon Terrell Prospect
General Manager Dan Morgan and his front office are already evaluating potential draft prospects, even as the team remains focused on its current playoff push. According to a recent mock draft by CBS Sports analyst Mike Renner, the Panthers could target Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell with their first-round pick. Renner believes Terrell’s skillset would be a “tremendous fit” for defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s scheme.
The need for cornerback depth is undeniable. While Jaycee Horn remains a cornerstone of the Panthers’ defense, the team needs reliable options to complement him. Mike Jackson Sr. and Chau Smith-Wade have shown promise, and undrafted rookie Corey Thornton has impressed when given opportunities, but adding a potential lockdown corner like Terrell would significantly elevate the secondary. Thornton’s emergence is a positive sign, as highlighted by Canales, but the Panthers aren’t likely to rely solely on a rookie.
Terrell, the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons standout A.J. Terrell Jr., brings a unique skillset to the table. He’s known for his “sticky” coverage and ability to mirror opposing receivers, traits that would be invaluable in a division featuring increasingly dynamic passing offenses. Despite Clemson’s somewhat disappointing season in 2024 – a stark contrast to their recent dominance – Terrell has continued to solidify his status as a first-round talent.
Beyond Cornerback: Addressing Multiple Needs
While cornerback is a clear need, the Panthers have other areas they could address in the draft. A dynamic pass-catching tight end, an additional edge rusher to complement Brian Burns, and upgrades at safety and linebacker are all possibilities. Morgan has emphasized a long-term approach to building the franchise, and he’s unlikely to settle for simply filling immediate needs. He’ll prioritize selecting the best player available, regardless of position, believing that talent will ultimately elevate the entire team.
The Panthers’ situation is a welcome change for a franchise that has spent years in rebuilding mode. The team’s success has not only energized the fanbase but has also attracted attention from free agents and potential trade partners. This newfound momentum could allow the Panthers to be more selective in the draft, focusing on players who can contribute to a sustained period of success.
The Broader NFL Landscape and the Value of Draft Capital
The Panthers’ rise also comes at a time when the NFL is experiencing a shift in power. The league is becoming increasingly competitive, with parity spreading across all divisions. This makes draft capital even more valuable, as teams need to consistently identify and develop talent to remain competitive. According to data from the Statista, the average NFL career length is just over three years, highlighting the constant need for fresh talent. This statistic underscores the importance of a strong draft strategy.
The Panthers’ current trajectory suggests they’re on the right path. By combining shrewd drafting with smart free-agent acquisitions and effective coaching, they’ve created a team that’s capable of competing with the best in the NFC. And while the draft remains a crucial part of their long-term plan, the Panthers are no longer solely focused on finding a savior. They’re building a team, and that’s a significant step forward.
Examining Terrell’s credentials, and those of other top prospects, will be a key part of the Panthers’ offseason. But for now, the focus remains on the present, on continuing their surprising run and making a legitimate push for the playoffs. And that, for Panthers fans, is a welcome change of pace.
ARTICOL ORIGINAL:
Carolina Panthers fans are used to going over mock drafts at this time of year. They usually are languishing among the bottom feeders league-wide, so getting a head start on what top prospects might be there for the taking with another high-end pick became a depressingly familiar feeling.
That’s not the case this time around.
The Panthers are quickly becoming one of the NFL’s surprise packages in 2025. They are half a game out of first place in the NFC South. Depending on what happens this weekend, they could even supplant the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the summit before Week 13.
That’s left mock drafts and potential free-agent targets at the back of everyone’s mind, for now. But make no mistake; general manager Dan Morgan and his front office staff will already be examining potential prospects of interest before the all-important pre-draft assessment stage commences.
Carolina Panthers select Avieon Terrell in CBS Sports’ new mock draft
Mike Renner from CBS Sports has something interesting in mind for the Panthers in his latest mock draft. The respected analyst thought cornerback Avieon Terrell would be a tremendous fit for Ejiro Evero’s defense, something that would also break the Panthers’ streak of never selecting a Clemson prospect.
“The Panthers have a lot of holes to fill defensively, but none seem more pressing than cornerback. [Avieon] Terrell is a distinctly different type of corner from Jaycee Horn, as the Clemson corner is more capable of handling shiftier, smaller receivers.”
Mike Renner
Carolina could use another cornerback. Jaycee Horn, Mike Jackson Sr., and Chau Smith-Wade are all under contract next season. Undrafted rookie Corey Thornton has shown immense promise when called upon, but another potential lockdown presence would make the Panthers’ secondary extremely difficult to overcome.
Terrell, the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons corner A.J. Terrell Jr., is versatile in any scheme. He might not have Horn’s size and length, but he’s sticky in coverage and mirrors opposing receivers well all over the field.
Things have not gone according to plan for the Tigers this season. Even so, the gifted defensive back is cementing his status as a first-round talent who could flourish in the pros with some extra polish.
The Panthers have other glaring needs that could be addressed. Adding a prolific pass-catching tight end, another edge rusher, safety, or maybe even a three-down linebacker could take priority over the corner spot. But Morgan won’t hesitate to pick the best prospect available as part of his long-term plans for sustained franchise growth.
And the Panthers could do far worse than examining Terrell’s credentials in greater detail.