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.”
Double dose of #Panthers GM Dan Morgan … pic.twitter.com/2PNX98kkRV
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) January 13, 2026
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.
#Panthers QB Bryce Young (9) hits T Mac during Saturday’s #NFL Wild Card warmup session … pic.twitter.com/10Ls8iIz6K
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) January 10, 2026
The post Carolina Panthers Notebook: General Manager Dan Morgan Already Focusing On 600 NFL Draft Prospects appeared first on Sportscasting | Pure Sports.