NEWSLETTER
The Carolina Panthers were a team on a mission in the 2024 NFL Draft. After a disappointing 2-15 season in 2023, new GM Dan Morgan and Head Coach Dave Canales weren’t afraid to take some calculated risks. Despite trading away their first-round pick last year, they entered the draft with a clear goal: surround young quarterback Bryce Young with the weapons he needs to succeed and build up on defense. Let’s dissect the Panthers’ 2024 NFL Draft and give them a grade.
Carolina Panthers NFL Draft Grade: B
The Carolina Panthers’ 2024 NFL Draft was all about giving their young quarterback, Bryce Young, the best chance to flourish. The Panthers’ needs entering the draft were aplenty but despite lacking a first-round pick as a result of acquiring last year’s no.1 to take Bryce Young, Carolina still made the best of their draft slots. The Panthers Top NFL Draft Priorities were clear and they addressed them all but also took some risks in doing so which is why they get a passing grade of B.
More: Get all your fantasy football needs with 4for4
| Draft Pick | Selection |
|---|---|
| Rd 1 – pick 32 | Xavier Legette, WR – South Carolina |
| Rd 2 – pick 46 | Jonathon Brooks, RB – Texas |
| Rd 3 – Pick 72 | Tevin Wallace, LB – Kentucky |
| Rd 4 – pick 101 | Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE – Texas |
| Rd 5 – pick 157 | Chau Smith-Wade, CB – Washington State |
| Rd 6 – pick 200 | Jaden Crumedy, DT – Mississippi State |
| Rd 7 – pick 240 | Michael Barrett, LB – Michigan |
Panthers Trade Up for THEIR Wide Reciever
Carolina’s first move on draft night involved a trade. They sent the first pick of the 2nd Round, 33rd overall, to the Buffalo Bills to move up one spot and select South Carolina wide receiver Xavier Legette. Apparently, the Panthers had assured Xavier he’d be their pick to open night two of the draft but Legette let the rest of the league know this promise during an interview.
So whether Carolina worried Buffalo, who also was in search of a wide-out would take him, or simply wanted to guarantee a 5th-year option, swapped spots to grab their guy. Legette was a breakout star with over 1,200 receiving yards in 2023, instantly becoming the Panthers’ most athletic wide-out providing Bryce Young with a big-bodied downfield threat.
Find great Carolina Panthers gear at Fanatics!
Fresh Legs in the Backfield
The Panthers weren’t done adding offensive weapons. They used their second-round pick on another offensive weapon, selecting the highly-touted running back Jonathon Brooks out of Texas. Brooks, who was considered the top running back prospect in the 2024 class before a torn ACL, brings a dynamic combination of power and speed to the backfield. A backfield that has been led by the underwhelming performances of both Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders.
Brooks should return sometime during training camp when the Panthers may look to trade or cut either Hubbard or Sanders. In addition to adding fresh legs in the backfield, Carolina drafted tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders out of Texas in the fourth round who they think can finally provide a real receiving threat from the position.
Getting Defensive Late
The draft wasn’t solely focused on skill positions for Carolina though. The later rounds saw the Panthers take players at all three levels on defense. Although they allowed the 4th-most points on the year, Carolina allowed the 4th-fewest total yards and 6th-lowest yards per play in 2024. All three of the players taken to close out the draft will compete for depth roles on a defense that should improve as long as the offense does.
Hear the Panthers Roar
Overall, the Panthers’ 2024 NFL draft was a success. They accomplished their goal of surrounding Bryce Young with talent on offense and found decent value on defense with their final selections. Trading up 1-pick for WR Xavier Legette was a risky move, especially in a draft class loaded with receivers all graded similarly. Only time will tell if that move will dividends but we think the Panthers did well. This is why they get a B.
