The Carolina Panthers hit the ground running in the 1995 NFL Draft with three first-round draft picks. Since then, they’ve sustained that momentum with impact selections like Cam Newton, Luke Kuechly, DeAngelo Williams, and Julius Peppers. Overall, how have the Panthers fared in Round 1 across almost three decades of existence?
Carolina Panthers First-Round Draft Picks Throughout History
The Panthers haven’t been as lucky as the Baltimore Ravens, who already have three first-round Hall of Famers in their short league tenure. As of now, Carolina hasn’t selected a Hall of Famer in Round 1, though Kuechly — a five-time All-Pro — could soon be inducted. There’s also hope that the new era, led by first overall pick Bryce Young, will hearken more impact talent.
2023
- Bryce Young | Pick 1
QB, Alabama
2022
- Ikem Ekwonu | Pick 6
OT, North Carolina State
2021
- Jaycee Horn | Pick 8
DB, South Carolina
2020
- Derrick Brown | Pick 7
DT, Auburn
2019
- Brian Burns | Pick 16
DE, Florida State
2018
- DJ Moore | Pick 24
WR, Maryland
2017
- Christian McCaffrey | Pick 8
RB, Stanford
2016
- Vernon Butler | Pick 30
DT, Louisiana Tech
2015
- Shaq Thompson | Pick 25
LB, Washington
2014
- Kelvin Benjamin | Pick 28
WR, Florida State
2013
- Star Lotulelei | Pick 14
DT, Utah
2012
- Luke Kuechly | Pick 9
LB, Boston College
2011
- Cam Newton | Pick 1
QB, Auburn
2010
The Panthers traded the 17th pick to the San Francisco 49ers.
2009
The Panthers traded the 28th pick to the Philadelphia Eagles.
2008
- Jonathan Stewart | Pick 13
RB, Oregon - Jeff Otah | Pick 19
OT, Pittsburgh
2007
- Jon Beason | Pick 25
LB, Miami (FL)
2006
- DeAngelo Williams | Pick 27
RB, Memphis
2005
- Thomas Davis | Pick 14
LB, Georgia
2004
- Chris Gamble | Pick 28
DB, Ohio State
2003
- Jordan Gross | Pick 8
OT, Utah
2002
- Julius Peppers | Pick 2
DE, North Carolina
2001
- Dan Morgan | Pick 11
LB, Miami (FL)
2000
- Rashard Anderson | Pick 23
DB, Jackson State
1999
The Panthers traded the fifth pick to Washington. The pick was later traded to New Orleans and used to select Ricky Williams.
1998
- Jason Peter | Pick 14
DE, Nebraska
1997
- Rae Carruth | Pick 27
WR, Colorado
1996
- Tim Biakabutuka | Pick 8
RB, Michigan
1995
- Kerry Collins | Pick 5
QB, Penn State - Tyrone Poole | Pick 22
DB, Fort Valley State - Blake Brockermeyer | Pick 29
OT, Texas
