Carolina Panthers Projected to Address Big Need in 2027 NFL Draft

The Carolina Panthers are looking to avenge a loss in Week 7 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, dropping them to 3-3 on the year. But it's going to be a tough test on a short week as they are in Green Bay to face the Packers at Lambeau Field on Thursday Night Football. 

Carolina was able to pull off the upset in Green Bay last season but going into Week 8, they are dealing with some tough injuries. The Panthers are looking to hold at least a share of first place when the week ends, but will need to win to ensure that.

With the NFC South being wide open again, there's an opportunity there for Carolina. They lead the Atlanta Falcons by just a half game and have the tiebreaker over them thanks to a Week 2 win. 

As the focus is on this season, there are some needs to address come this offseason for the Panthers. One area on offense is the offensive line. They have been hit with some big injuries and the depth is being tested early and often this season. So when looking ahead at the 2027 NFL Draft, there's a good chance the Panthers address that need.

And one NFL reporter has the Panthers doing just that. 

CBS Sports' Josh Edwards released his newest 2027 NFL mock draft, and he has the Panthers picking at No. 19 overall in the first round. With that pick, he believes they should look at Minnesota guard Greg Johnson.

But there's one caveat. The Panthers could move on from Robert Hunt, which would save them $14 million toward the salary cap. That could allow them to be flexible and fix other spots on the roster for free agency. 

The offensive line has struggled this season, mainly on the interior. But the line overall has allowed the third-highest pressure rate through the first seven weeks of the season. With Bryce Young playing well, the Panthers should invest in their quarterback by not only extending him but building up the offensive line to protect him.

Johnson is one of the top guards available and should hear his name called in the first round come April. He's a good pass blocker and can have an impact in the run blocking area as well. 

The one thing that could hurt the Panthers is if Johnson continues his stellar play, his stock could be on the rise and he could be selected even earlier.