The vibes are still a bit low for the Carolina Panthers at the moment, as they've entered Week 9 with the worst record in the NFL and without their leading receiver.

Perhaps the record thing isn't too surprising, but the underwhelming return in their trade of wideout Diontae Johnson was. Tuesday's deal with the Baltimore Ravens only netted the Panthers a late-round pick swap, as they'll take on a 2025 fifth-rounder and send out a 2025 sixth-rounder.

But, at least there are some silver linings. Some of the team's rookies are beginning to emerge—specifically wideouts Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker as well as tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders and safety Demani Richardson.

So as we try to push through the bad with a little bit of good, let's dig into this week's mailbag before Sunday's matchup against the New Orleans Saints . . .

Note: Questions have been edited for clarity.

Drafting another QB in 2025

If the Panthers decide to move on from Bryce Young and draft another QB, who in this upcoming class do you think we should take? We can cross Sheduer Sanders off the list because Deion Sanders already said Cleveland and Carolina are not drafting his son. – Jack L.

Another great question as always, Jack. We appreciate you sending them in each week!

I have yet to do in-depth evaluations on the 2025 quarterback prospects. I'm waiting until the end of November and December to begin my final reports on the draft class itself. However, that won't stop me from providing my take on this question.

First of all, I would prefer the Panthers not draft a quarterback in April. This roster has more serious issues outside a signal-caller, and I believe defense must be addressed early. Though, I'm not opposed to the likes of Colorado's Shedeur Sanders or Miami's Cam Ward.

Based on what I've seen on broadcasts this season, Sanders would be my choice—but that could change. I like what I've seen when it comes to him attacking all three levels of the field with accuracy and timing, along with his velocity and arm talent to make any throw. His pocket awareness has also improved from last season and he's navigating the pocket well.

Also, I don't think Sanders should be off the list whatsoever. I don't understand the narrative that his head coach and father Deion Sanders would be the one choosing where he would play.

Shedeur Sanders is his own person and capable of making decisions for himself. It's rare in today's NFL that a draftee would want to be dealt on the spot.

This isn't another Eli Manning ordeal like it was in 2004. Sanders would provide a unique personality that hasn't been seen in the Carolinas since Cam Newton was under center. If anything, I would think "Prime Time" would be fond of a city like Charlotte.

How to approach the draft

If the Panthers get the No.1 pick, should they trade it away to recoup the draft picks they lost or draft a QB? – Charlotte B.

Good question, Charlotte. To be fair, Carolina did recoup a second-round choice for this offseason after they traded back with the Los Angeles Rams in last April's draft.

I touched on it briefly in the last question, but drafting a quarterback in this year's draft doesn't seem to be ideal for this team. Looking at the defensive roster, there are plenty of expiring contracts, but a lack of depth and talent. Cornerback Jaycee Horn and lineman Derrick Brown—who is missing the season with a torn meniscus—are the only long-term defensive assets on the roster at the moment.

Not only that, but the Panthers are one of the oldest teams in the league. This roster must get younger and acquire better depth overall. In this case, I would lean toward trading back from the No. 1 pick.

This would be a clear sign that the franchise is in total rebuild. The 2024 draft showed me that general manager Dan Morgan is more than willing to wheel and deal. However, the No. 1 draft choice is a significant premium that will require lengthy discussions in terms of risk and reward.

Struggles at tight end

Who is to blame for our general lack of use of the tight ends? Is our tight end room? Just not that good? Do we not have favorable routes for the tight ends to run? Most times tight ends make their living across the middle since they are bigger-bodied targets, our tight ends tend to catch out routes. – Len R.

Good question, Len. Not often enough has the tight end room for the Panthers been a topic of conversation during their lowly campaign.

There are several factors. Part of it is the talent, part of it is the concepts used, part of it is situational football. However, I think the Panthers are getting their tight ends involved more in the passing game more often than not. There is an emphasis on their usage in the run game and as threats in Carolina's passing attack.

According to Fantasy Pros, the Panthers' top two tight ends, rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders and Tommy Tremble, have a combined 43 targets through eight games. Pro Football Reference has both players projected with 53 and 41 targets, respectively. That would be just four shy of Carolina's combined targets of their top two tight ends last season. However, with Johnson no longer on the roster, those targets could increase—especially if Tremble fights off his injuries.

From what I've seen on the All-22, the Panthers have utilized their tight ends over the middle of the field a decent amount thus far. I've seen Sanders used on crossers, digs, and seams and on a good amount of the route tree in general. The same can be said for Tremble and even Ian Thomas.

In the end, I don't see the room being a significant issue. They're capable of handling six to eight targets per game if they are needed and it will largely depend on the game plan and opponent on how they're utilized each week.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers Wire mailbag: What fans want to know ahead of Week 9