3 Panthers on Thin Ice Following the NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft has come and gone and GM Dan Morgan did a commendable job filling out the roster with high-upside prospects. Carolina's offense should take a big step forward around Bryce Young and new head coach Dave Canales, laying the foundation for a competitive unit moving forward.

Panthers fans should be excited to see guys like WR Xavier Legette and RB Jonathon Brooks in action, though a variety of players could contribute as soon as next year.

If rookies earn roles, that means some veterans should be feeling the pressure. Let's look at three Panthers on thin ice following the draft as we approach rookie minicamp on May 10th.

3 Panthers on Thin Ice After NFL Draft

1. Miles Sanders - RB

There is no way to look at the selection of Texas' Jonathon Brooks, the first RB off the board, other than a direct indictment of Miles Sanders and his four-year contract. Chubba Hubbard took Sanders' job over the course of the season and now Carolina has its running back of the future with Brooks.

Sanders averaged just five touches a game over the final four games and finished the season with just 432 rushing yards (3.3 yards per carry) and one TD. That minimal level of production is obviously not what the Panthers had in mind when signing Sanders last offseason, and it looks like his days with the organization are numbered.

Morgan can say that all he wants, and perhaps this is just an attempt to keep Sanders' trade value above water, but actions speak louder than words.

Brooks' ACL recovery seems to be going well and he was the highest-rated player at his position for a reason. I'd guess that Hubbard is the lead back to start the season but will eventually concede the job to Brooks, who should get work right away.

Barring injury, that leaves Sanders as the odd man out. He needs a massive showing in offseason workouts and training camp, and it wouldn't surprise me to see him on a new team before the season starts.