It was no secret that the Panthers needed to change something in the offseason after their poor 2023 performances. Trades, draft picks, and even improving current players are all going to play big factors in the upcoming season.
Under new head coach Dave Canales, the Panthers will look to achieve better offensive results after dismal statistics last season. So who is going to step up to the plate and make their mark on the 2024 season?
The Panthers Potential Offensive Weapons
During the offseason, there was no shortage of movement from the Panthers. They had 7 draft picks and ended up signing all 7 picks to their squad. 3 of these picks were offensive additions and will look to exploit holes in their opposition’s defense.
The team also picked up 19 undrafted free agents, who made their debuts in rookie minicamp. But the Panthers will also want to rely on players from last season to make bigger impressions going forward. They’ll also look to their veteran players and newer additions acquired from trades.
QB Bryce Young
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Young fell short in his rookie season based on expectations that some might have had. After winning the Heisman Trophy in 2021, Young was expected to excel in his first season. But he failed to capture the attention of the Panthers’ fanbase in a positive light.
Young will attempt to erase the failures of last season and paint himself as a better NFL quarterback in the 2o24 season. To do so, Young must find his footing early on and gain back some confidence after dismal 2023 performances. He will need to emerge as a leader, both on and off the field, despite it only being his second season with the team.
Young must learn to rely on his arm to deliver top-notch passes to his veteran receivers, like Johnson and Thielen. Despite not being the biggest runner, Young will also need to use his legs to pick up the most yards he can. In his 2021 season for Alabama, Young scored three rushing touchdowns, a stat he’ll look to improve on this season. He failed to score on any rushes last season, preferring to use his running backs or throwing to his receivers.
WR Diontae Johnson
Acquired by the Panthers this offseason, Diontae Johnson is known for his playmaking with the Steelers. Johnson should have an outstanding acquisition having already established himself as a star wide receiver.
Johnson had been with the Steelers since 2019, after being drafted in the third round of the draft. He spent his college days at Toledo, where he also recorded stellar stats for the team. Since coming to the NFL, Johnson has had 25 touchdowns to go along with over 4,000 receiving yards.
These types of statistics are ones that the Panthers will be looking to exploit with their new WR. Johnson has been consistent throughout his time in the league, although his best season came in 2021, where he recorded 107 receptions in 16 games played.
Johnson’s veteran presence on the field, combined with that of Adam Thielen, should give Bryce Young a much-needed boost. Already, Johnson has made an impact in the offseason, giving an immediate sense of leadership and knowledge to his younger teammates.
WR Xavier Legette
The former South Carolina man became the Panthers’ first pick in the 2024 NFL draft. After an impressive college career, Legette will look to continue building on outstanding performances in the NFL. Legette had career highs in multiple categories last season with South Carolina, which points to a continually improving talent.
He spent all five years of college with South Carolina, but his most successful season came in his last. Legette played in 12 games and recorded 1,255 yards in that time. His second-best year for yards came the season before with just 167 yards. Legette showed tremendous improvements during the offseason and became South Carolina’s number-one receiver. Legette also came up big with seven touchdowns and had three games with multiple touchdowns.
Legette’s athleticism appealed greatly to the Panthers, who were lacking a big playmaker like Legette. Fresh out of college and coming off his best season, Legette just might be the talent that this offense needs to get going.
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