Fansided · Oct 1, 2025
Panthers quietly send major draft blunder packing as pressure builds
Former Carolina Panthers linebacker D.J. Johnson | Bob Donnan-Imagn ImagesThe Carolina Panthers' defense reverted to their typically poor levels in Week 4 against the New England Patriots. As it turned out, this was the final straw for one of the biggest draft blunders (and there were many) from the previous regime.
Ejiro Evero banged the table hard for D.J. Johnson. General manager Dan Morgan was also in the draft room as Scott Fitterer's right-hand man when the Panthers moved up to No. 80 overall in 2023 to secure his services. This dropped jaws around the league, given that the player was projected to be a Day 3 pick due to his age and inconsistent college production.