Carolina Panthers (Last Year: 2-15)
NFL Draft Team Grade:
A- GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Panthers foolishly drafted C.J. Stroud over Bryce Young last year despite all the coaches wanting Stroud to be the pick. Whoops. The Panthers are stuck with Young because David Tepper thought he knew more than the football guys he hired, so they have no choice but to build up their supporting cast to carry Young. Adding a running back, a receiver, and an offensive line would help tremendously.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Carolina did a good job of finding talent to surround Young in this draft, so if Young continues to struggle, we know it’s on him and not the supporting cast, which was lackluster during his rookie campaign.
Xavier Legette and Ja’Tavion Sanders are promising pass-catchers, and they should be able to complement Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen well. Jonathon Brooks figures to be a long-term starting running back, though his career will begin slowly because he’s coming off a torn ACL.
The Panthers focused on the defensive side of the ball for most of Day 3. They found some good values in that regard, including fifth-round cornerback Chau Smith-Wade, who can help replace the traded Donte Jackson.
I really like this draft for the Panthers, and it should be graded highly despite the team not possessing a first-round pick at the beginning of the weekend.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
32. Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina – A- Grade
Xavier Legette said he would be taken by the Panthers. He also said he visited Carolina four times, somehow. It was all true, as Legette is a great selection by the Panthers. Wide receiver was a huge need, even with Diontae Johnson on the team. Legette will try to help turn around Bryce Young’s disappointing career.
46. Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas – B Grade
So much for Jerry Jones getting his favorite running back. I thought some team would trade up above Dallas to take Brooks, and that’s what happened. Brooks is a talented running back who would have gone earlier than this if it weren’t for a torn ACL. Brooks won’t be able to play very well next year, but the Panthers will be gearing up for a possible playoff run in 2025, and Brooks will be able to help by then.
72. Trevin Wallace, LB, Kentucky – B+ Grade
The Panthers lost Frankie Luvu to free agency this offseason, so they needed to find some linebacker help. Trevin Wallace is a freak athlete with tons of upside, so I like the Panthers swinging for the fences here to help improve their defense.
101. Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas – A Grade
How long has it been since the Panthers have possessed a talented tight end? It’s been so long, but Ja’Tavion Sanders will finally fill that need. He could have easily gone early in the third round, so I love this value. It’s never a bad thing to give Bryce Young another weapon.
157. Chau Smith-Wade, CB, Washington State – A Grade
I thought Chau Smith-Wade could have gone in Round 3, so I love this value. This also fills a need, as Carolina traded Donte Jackson for Diontae Johnson. Smith-Wade is undersized, but projects as a solid nickel corner.
200. Jaden Crumedy, DT, Mississippi State – B+ Grade
The Panthers have struggled against the run for years. Perhaps that’ll turn around with Jaden Crumedy joining the defensive line. Crumedy is a massive nose tackle who was projected in the fifth round, making this a solid pick.
240. Michael Barrett, LB, Michigan – B Grade
Michael Barrett was seen as a seventh-round prospect heading into the draft, so taking him here makes sense. Barrett figures to be a career special-teamer.
Season Summary:
When the Panthers traded up to No. 1 in the 2023 NFL Draft, the coaches believed they were getting C.J. Stroud. The owner had a different plan. That plan has failed thus far, as Bryce Young endured a horrific rookie campaign. The Panthers can still salvage him, but they need to give him a much better supporting cast with resources they don’t possess.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Two Wide Receivers: Bryce Young had no one to throw to last year, aside from Adam Thielen, who is nearing the end of his career. Two receivers are needed, including one who can stretch the field. Traded for Diontae Johnson
- Two Guards: Pass protection was a huge problem as well. Upgrades are needed at both guard spots. Signed Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt
- Defensive Tackle: Carolina needs a run-stuffing presence in order to finally overcome its weakness against the rush. Signed A’Shawn Robinson
- Tight End: Hayden Hurst was a bust of a free agent signing, so this is another area the Panthers must address.
- Edge Rusher: Brian Burns was likely to be franchised or re-signed, but he was traded. Signed D.J. Wonnum, Jadeveon Clowney and K’Lavon Chaisson
- Linebacker: Re-signing Frankie Luvu is a priority as well. Signed Josey Jewell
- Quarterback: Vetern competition is needed to challenge Young, who was horrible as a rookie.
- Running Back: Chuba Hubbard took over for the ineffective Miles Sanders, but it’s not like he was a terrific replacement.
- Cornerback Depth: The Panthers have some depth issues at cornerback, given the number of free agents they have at the position. Signed Dane Jackson
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Carolina Panthers Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
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