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Carolina Panthers Notebook: General Manager Dan Morgan Already Focusing On 600 NFL Draft Prospects

Jeff Hawkins Written by Sports EditorJeff Hawkins
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Carolina Panthers Notebook: General Manager Dan Morgan Already Focusing On 600 NFL Draft Prospects

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan transitioned quickly.

Within days of the Panthers’ NFL Wild Card loss to the Los Angeles Rams last Saturday, Morgan’s mindset switched from win-now to win-in-2026-and-beyond. That meant updating his early work on April’s draft showcase.

During his wide-ranging press conference, Morgan revealed his draft board was comprised of more than 600 prospects.

The NFC South-champion Panthers (8-9) will pick No. 19 next April.

“Oh yeah, I got them,” Morgan said at Bank of America Stadium.

Edge rushers, linebackers and offensive linemen are three positions the Panthers likely will look to strengthen this offseason.

“I think some of the needs aren’t a secret,” Morgan said. “I think you never really want to force a need. Now, if it’s equal and you have two guys up on the board and they’re even, I’m always going to go with the need.

“I think with that pick (at No. 19), ideally, you draft best available.”

Among the college players linked to the Panthers as possible draft picks include edge rushers TJ Parker (Clemson) and Cashius Howell (Texas A&M) and linebacker Sonny Styles (Ohio State).

Regarding the Panthers’ free-agent approach, Morgan predicted: “We’re still going to be patient. We’re not going to be reckless, but we are going to attack our needs.”

Carolina Panthers Promote Assistant Coach Mike Bercovici

The Panthers’ front office played prevent defense Thursday.

Under threat of losing the former assistant quarterbacks coach, Morgan helped convince Mike Bercovici to stick in Charlotte, N.C. The main bait included a promotion to pass-game coordinator.

Morgan announced that quarterback Bryce Young’s rookie contract will be extended to a fifth season. With the announcement, Bercovici’s presence could help keep the offense in unison.

An ex-Arizona State quarterback, Bercovici remains best known for his 2014 last-second touchdown pass over Southern California. Bercovici recently interviewed for the Washington Commanders’ QB coach role.

Bercovici, 32, is seen by league insiders as a future offensive coordinator.

Jeff Hawkins Written by Sports EditorJeff Hawkins
Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  
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