Despite having the worst record in the entire NFL at 2-15, the Panthers’ first pick in the 2024 Draft is the 33rd overall selection. They traded away their first-round pick to the Bears last offseason in the Bryce Young trade, giving Chicago the eventual first overall pick. This means Carolina will have to be even more tactical in their selections, hoping to build up a roster without a first-round pick.
While the Panthers have a laundry list of holes to fill, one of the most notable is the wide receiver position. Young is in desperate need of a top target, and the front office will likely look to find one in the draft. Marvin Harrison Jr, Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze and Brian Thomas Jr are all virtual locks to be gone by the 33rd pick, but any of the other pass catchers have a reasonable chance of getting there. Among the remaining options, who should Carolina be heavily considering?
Keon Coleman, Florida State
One of the most electric players in college football this season, Keon Coleman put together an impressive highlight reel in his only season as a Seminole. The former Michigan State wideout transferred to Florida State after two years as a Spartan and immediately put himself on the map. He hauled in 50 catches for 658 yards and 11 touchdowns over the course of FSU’s undefeated regular season.
Coleman is known for his abilities at the point of the catch. He’s one of the best jump ball receivers college football has seen recently, consistently finding a way to win heavily contested catches. He even returned punts for the Seminoles this season, despite standing at 6’4, 215 lbs. He has great agility and explosiveness, but could still stand to improve on his deep speed, and route running as a whole. There’s a good chance he’ll be taken in the first round, but might be a no-brainer for the Panthers if he makes it to 33.
Troy Franklin, Oregon
After an unbelievable season that saw his quarterback finish as a Heisman finalist, Troy Franklin will take his talents to the next level. His third season at Oregon was his best yet, capitalizing on his connection with Bo Nix to help lead the Ducks to a 12-2 season.
Franklin caught 81 passes, totaling up 1,383 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. Many believed he was deserving of being a finalist for the Biletnikoff award as the nation’s best receiver, seeing as his stats matched those of eventual winner, Marvin Harrison Jr.
Franklin has made a name for himself through his incredible speed. Very few defensive backs managed to stay with him, as he used his elite route package and agility to separate. He isn’t the best at going up over defenders, but made up for it by leaving them in the dust. It goes without saying that Panthers fans would love for Bryce Young to have an elite option on deep shots down the field.
Adonai Mitchell, Texas
After back-to-back national championships as a Georgia Bulldog, Adonai “A.D.” Mitchell transferred to Texas in hopes of having a breakout season. He had exactly that, posting the best number of his college career as half of the receiver duo that helped lead the Longhorns to the playoffs.
His 2023 season saw 55 catches, 845 yards and 11 touchdowns, all of which totaled higher than his Georgia seasons combined. His biggest moment came in red and black though, as he caught a touchdown with under a minute left in the Peach Bowl to send the Bulldogs to the National Championship, where they stomped TCU. He also caught a touchdown in Texas’ semifinal game this season, proving once again that he’s not scared of the moment.
He’s seen as a well-rounded prospect, with true potential to be an NFL team’s top receiver. Mitchell has great hands, smooth route running skills and does his best work further down the field. He can be inconsistent on jump balls, as well as after the catch, but has no glaring weaknesses that should turn teams away. He truly stood out this past season, even with another elite prospect alongside him.
Xavier Worthy, Texas
The only man who caught more passes than Mitchell for the Longhorns this past season was Xavier Worthy. Worthy has spent the last three seasons with Texas after they recruited the four-star out of Fresno, California. He exploded onto the scene in his freshman year, racking up 62 catches for 981 yards and 12 touchdowns. His stats took a minor dip in year two, but he bounced back with a career year in 2023. He broke 1,000 receiving yards for the first time with 1,014, on a team-high 75 catches. He only scored five touchdowns due to Mitchell’s arrival, but was the team’s primary target in the year of their first ever playoff appearance.
Worthy makes his money as a deep threat, scorching defenders with his speed. He’s quick on his feet and can track the ball well while maintaining his pace. His biggest knock heading into the NFL is his size. Worthy’s smaller frame makes fighting contact very difficult, be it at the catch point or off the line. He also needs to become more sure-handed, as he had his fair share of dropped passes. These issues need addressing, but he’s a high-potential prospect nonetheless, as all of these players are.
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Featured image courtesy of the Carolina Panthers.
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