The 2024 NFL Draft is just around the corner. The Carolina Panthers have a difficult decision to make regarding those picks. The Panthers have two picks in the second round and one draft pick in the third round. Here is who they should draft with those picks and why.
Second-Round Pick: No. 33 Overall
With the number 33rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, the Carolina Panthers select Xavier Worthy (a Wide receiver from Texas). You may recognize the name Xavier Worthy because during the combine in Indianapolis Worth ran a 4-21 40-yard dash (breaking John Ross’ seven-year-old record). One of Carolina's biggest needs (according to the Pro Football Network) is Wide Receiver.
Ever since they traded D.J Moore to the Chicago Bears in 2023 there has been a whole at the position. Carolina attempted to fill that hole by drafting Johnathon Mingo (results have been less than stellar). The amount of speed that Worthy provides would be an excellent asset to the Carolina Panthers roster.
Second-Round Pick: No. 39 Overall
The Carolina Panthers acquired this pick from the New York Giants in the Brian Burns trade that happened this off-season. If the Panthers don’t end up trading this pick should use it on former Iowa State Cornerback T.J. Tampa. Tampa was the cornerstone of the Cyclones’ defense. He ran a 4-45 40-yard dash (which showcased his speed).
Tampa would be paired great with the Panthers’ current cornerback Jaycee Horn (who when healthy is a great corner). The Panthers need to bolster that backfield (and bring back Thieves Ave) Tampa would be a great addition because he has speed and is versatile.
Third-Round Pick: No. 65 Overall
Since Carolina traded EDGE Brian Burns to the New York Giants they have now had an EDGE issue. To help solve that issue, the Panthers should look at drafting Washington EDGE Bralen Trice. Trice has speed, he ran a 4-72 40-yard dash which is great for an Edge rusher. Trice is very good at converting his speed into power when rushing towards an opposing quarterback. His frame of 6-4 and 245 lbs goes great with his impressive speed which he showcased at the combine. Bralen would fit perfectly in Ejiro Evero’s defense scheme.
Carolina’s picks in the first three rounds could also be packaged in a trade where the Panthers can move back into the first round (since the Bears took their first-round pick in the Moore trade). Nevertheless, if new GM Dan Morgan decides not to do that drafting Worthy, Tampa, and Trice would be a smart move for a team that is rebuilding.