CHARLOTTE — With hours to go until the commissioner steps to the podium in Green Bay, we're fully immersed in draft season.

The Panthers hold the No. 8 overall pick in this year's draft, so there is already plenty of conversation about which way the club could go with the pick.

We'll keep tabs on what some of the draft experts think the Panthers should do by tracking the mock drafts between now and the April 24-26 event.

The Panthers have nine total picks, including eight in the first five rounds.

You can see all of their picks here, and we'll keep you posted on all the latest at Panthers.com.

OT Armand Membou, Missouri

I know defense is an issue in Carolina; the Panthers allowed an NFL-worst 31.4 points per game last season. But the offensive line could become a big problem very soon, and I think the Panthers could look that way. Taylor Moton and Ikem Ekwonu are entering the final years of their contracts (assuming Carolina does not pick up Ekwonu's fifth-year option), and Carolina has to improve Bryce Young's protection. Membou is a tone-setter who makes an impact in the run game and surrendered just one sack during the 2024 season. - Field Yates

LB, Jalon Walker, Georgia

The Panthers desperately need help on defense after surrendering a league-worst 31.4 points per game last year. Walker, a versatile linebacker–edge rusher hybrid, gives the team a big boost, providing incredible closing speed and burst off the edge, as well as the ability to line up and play off the ball when needed.

DT Mason Graham, Michigan

Carolina took a big swing at Milton Williams in free agency and missed. They did end up signing defensive tackles, but none of the additions are of Graham's caliber.

LB Jalon Walker, Georgia

I settled on this pairing since the top of the draft order was set, and there doesn't appear to be any reason to buy into an eleventh-hour shift. Walker's disruption is something Carolina should covet, and defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero can get creative to deploy the 6-1, 243-pounder to his full potential. -Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

Edge Jalon Walker, Georgia

The Panthers need pass rush and front seven talent in general, which makes Walker an interesting fix for their problems. People are split on what his best position might be in the NFL but his ability to create havoc and finish plays in the backfield is going to be appealing for NFL teams.

Edge James Pearce Jr, Tennessee

Last year, in this very spot, at No. 8 overall, everyone had Dallas Turner to the Falcons. Ultimately didn't happen. Jalon Walker to the Panthers has felt similarly too chalky. Therefore I'm going with a Charlotte native with immense pass-rushing upside to the Panthers here, shocking many, including myself. - Chris Trapasso