At this point, it's never too early for mock draft season when it comes to the Carolina Panthers. After Sunday's loss to the Commanders, the Panthers now project to hold the second-highest selection in the draft order. With only the Patriots ahead and an actual first-rounder this year, this is the perfect opportunity to add some quality talent to the roster.

I used nflmockdraftdatabase's mock draft simulator for this draft.

Round 1, Pick 2: CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado

The Patriots chose to pass on Hunter in the simulator, and if we're being honest it's all but guaranteed the Panthers will have the #1 pick in this coming draft. Hunter has spectacular athleticism and talent on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Being a two-way coming into the draft is something that has rarely been seen in the NFL, and if Hunter decides to go that right, it could mean killing two birds with one stone for the Panthers. Top receiver Deonte Johnson does not appear happy with the team and will likely depart either through trade or free agency. As for CB, Mike Jackson is on the last year of his contract and Jaycee Horn will be heading into his option year next season.

Round 2, Pick 42 (via LAR): DL Walter Nolen, Ole Miss

Assuming Evero remains as DC for next season, it would make sense to bring in a new season. Shy Tuttle has not worked out and will probably be cut to create cap space. While Nolen has played as a DT in college, scouting reports state he could fit in at NT in the NFL. What makes him especially intriguing is his explosiveness as a run defender. It has become quite clear that the Panthers need to fix their run defense, as they so far have allowed the most rushing yards of any team in the NFL. While not as polished as a pass rusher, the run defense will still be getting a serious upgrade.

Round 3, Pick 69: EDGE Patrick Payton, Florida State

The edge rush is arguably the Panthers' weakest position and it shows. Carolina sits only behind Atlanta when it comes to sacks per game. Edge was one of the positions that was shockingly not addressed in the draft last year and it is clear now that was a mistake. Unfortunately, the Panthers do not end up in a good position to take an edge with their first two picks (Payton was the best edge option in round 2), so it has to wait until round 3. Payton hails from the same college as the Panthers' last great edge rusher. Payton comes with both a high ceiling and day-one starting ability. He could easily take over for one of the OLB positions that haven't shown much in terms of talent.

Round 4, Pick 103: C Parker Brailsford, Alabama

Austin Corbett's contract is up after this season, and given his injury history, it's unlikely he'll be invited back. Like the edge rusher postion, center was shockingly not addressed in the draft last year. Unlike edge though, it doesn't look like as much of a mistake as Corbett played well when he was healthy. Still, there is no one for the future at center with Corbett and Christensen becoming free agents after this season. Brailsford is widely viewed as the best center in this draft class and could be an impact starter for the Panthers. While a bit undersized, he has a great resume playing against top-tier talent at Washington and Alabama. The Panthers o-line has looked great this season and a replacement for Corbett is needed to keep it consistent.

Round 5, Pick 139: WR Moose Muhammad III, Texas A&M

The son of Panthers great Muhsin Muhammad, Moose will likely be on the Panthers' radar. With it unclear whether Travis Hunter will play WR, CB, or both, it would make sense to make extra investments at both positions if Hunter's position is undecided by the draft. As mentioned earlier, Deonte Johnson is likely gone after this season, so it's reasonable to make further investments at the position. While not having the ceiling of last year's pick Xavier Legette, Muhammad III could be a solid WR2/3 alongside a younger WR corps.

Round 5, Pick 143 (via NYG): S Keon Sabb, Alabama

Safeties Jordan Fuller, Xavier Woods, and Nick Scott will all be free agents next season. Even if these three weren't leaving, the safety room has been a big weakness for the Panthers defense. Sabb is more of a developmental player, who has the potential to become a starter. Alabama lists him as a free safety, so he'll likely sit behind Demani Richardson at that spot.

Round 6, Pick 179: QB Kyle McCord, Syracuse

A new QB is needed in Carolina, but there is still a bit of PTSD from the last first-round investment. McCord serves as a low-risk, high-reward player. A four-star recruit out of high school, McCord spent his first three years at Ohio State before transferring to Syracuse. His first two years were spent as a backup to CJ Stroud, so he doesn't have as much starter experience as many would desire. McCord could be a good developmental piece that could turn out well with the right training.

Round 7, Pick 217 (via AZ): S Lathan Ransom, Ohio State

As was previously stated, the safety room will be really thin next year, so it would make sense to double down in the draft. Ransom plays strong safety for Ohio State, which fills the other safety need for the Panthers. Ransom is another developmental player, but he is a strong special teams player. Panthers could either start Jammie Robinson at strong safety or move him to nickel and bring in a cheap veteran.

Round 7, Pick 229 (via KC): CB Aydan White, NC State

If Hunter ends up playing WR instead of CB, it would make sense to make another investment in the draft. White has the potential to become a viable NFL starter. Playing as an outside corner, White could end up taking over the CB2 role and could be a solid pick-up with the right development.