Despite the modest expectations, the Carolina Panthers had a notably disappointing season in 2023.
Their offense struggled significantly, ranking among the worst in the league. While Bryce Young’s growing pains and struggles were a factor, the team’s evident lack of talent also played a significant role.
The offensive line struggled to protect Young, and the lack of playmakers in key positions made it difficult to sustain drives and score points.
To address these issues, the Panthers hired Dave Canales, an offensive and quarterback guru, as their new head coach.
Canales recognized that developing Young was crucial, but he also knew the team needed more talent to succeed. He emphasized the importance of building a solid foundation around Young, focusing on both the offensive line and skill positions.
With that in mind, the Panthers focused heavily on offense in the 2024 NFL Draft, putting them in a unique position to potentially make history.
As noted by Eric Galko on X, the Panthers could become the first team ever to have a rookie running back, wide receiver, and tight end lead their position group in yards. This would be a remarkable achievement and could signal a bright future for the franchise.
Galko highlighted that in the past 10 seasons, only six teams have had rookie leaders at two skill positions, but no team has ever had three.
He also mentioned that although only wide receiver Xavier Legette was a first-round pick, running back Jonathon Brooks and tight end JT Sanders possess clear first-round talent, and they will have ample opportunities from the start.
This influx of young talent could be exactly what the Panthers need to turn their fortunes around.
While the Panthers still have a long way to go before they can contend for the postseason, if Bryce Young can show flashes of his college performance, their offense could be exciting to watch in the upcoming season.
The combination of Young’s development and the potential impact of their rookie playmakers offers hope for a much-improved offensive unit and a more competitive team overall.
