3 Top Prospects Who Could Surprisingly Fall to Panthers at No. 33
By Jovan Alford
1. Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Thomas Jr. is one of the more intriguing wide receiver prospects in this year’s class as he had a great 2023 season at LSU playing next to Malik Nabers and performing well in front of scouts at the NFL scouting combine.
However, no one knows where Thomas will go as he could be drafted within the first 15 picks or late in the first round. It all depends on when the run on receivers happens in the NFL draft.
If Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze, and Nabers are drafted within the first 10 picks, Thomas might not have to wait long to hear his name called. But if there’s a run on offensive tackles and cornerbacks early, it could push Thomas down the board.
You also have to factor in teams maybe taking Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, or Xavier Legette ahead of Thomas. If you are Panthers head coach Dave Canales, you’d love to see Thomas fall to you at No. 33 as he would be an excellent addition to fill out your wide receiver unit.
The former LSU wideout gets a good release off the line of scrimmage, has elite hands, and is a good route runner. This past season with the Tigers, Thomas had 68 receptions for 1,177 yards and 17 touchdowns (all career-highs). At 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, the second-team All-SEC wide receiver could start immediately next to Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen.