The Carolina Panthers finished 2-15 last season and brought in a new head coach, Dave Canales, for the upcoming season. The franchise made some strides to improve this offseason as they traded for Diontae Johnson and improved their offensive line.
The Panthers also drafted Xavier Legette with the last pick of the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. They now have Adam Thielen, Jonathan Mingo, and Leggette as part of their wide receiver group alongside Johnson.
Who among Thielen, Mingo, and Legette will be the Panthers' WR2 this season? Let's take a look at the latest update on the NFC South franchise's depth chart.
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Who is the Carolina Panthers' WR2?
Based on reports, Thielen will be the Panthers' WR2 to start the season. However, Xavier Legette has impressed everyone in the training camp, and it wouldn't be surprising if he ends up being their primary receiver behind Johnson as we go further into the season.
Thielen signed a three-year, $25 million deal with the Panthers last offseason. He had 103 catches for 1,014 yards and scored 4 touchdowns in 17 games for them last season and will still be a valuable contributor to the team.
However, he will be 34 years old in a few weeks, and the Panthers might look to release him next offseason. As a result, expect Legette and Mingo to get enough opportunities this upcoming season if they stay healthy.
XL got hops! pic.twitter.com/ACB4ojwxc7
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) July 25, 2024
Who Should I Draft in Fantasy Football?
Considering all things, Legette will be my ideal wide receiver to draft from the Panthers after Johnson. The South Carolina product has an average draft position of #155 and will be overlooked by many fantasy managers.
He will be a great value addition in the latter rounds of the draft, and there isn't much risk to draft him, but the potential reward could be enticing. During his last year at South Carolina, he had 71 receptions for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 17.7 yards per reception.
As mentioned earlier, the Panthers have improved their offensive line. Expect Bryce Young to play much better than his rookie season, and it will result in success for all the skill position players on the team. Dave Canales worked wonders with Baker Mayfield in Tampa last season, and he could have similar success with another former first-overall pick in Carolina.
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