Betting Odds Reveal Panthers' Plans for First NFL Draft Pick
By Joe Summers
The Panthers are busy at work preparing for the NFL Draft with a loaded class of prospects who can positively contribute to Carolina's turnaround.
While the Panthers don't have a first-round selection, they'll have the No. 33 overall selection and No. 39 after trading with the Giants. Some mocks have them taking a wide receiver with their first pick and betting odds agree that Carolina will look to upgrade the pass-catching core.
The Panthers have already signed WR Diontae Johnson from the Steelers, but it's clear that further improvements are necessary to give Bryce Young an adequate supporting cast.
Betting Odds Indicate Panthers Will Draft a WR at No. 33
Betting odds over at FanDuel Sportsbook indicate the Panthers will select a WR early in the second round.
— Joe Summers (@IAmJoeSummers) April 4, 2024
Should see a LOT of wideouts drafted in the first 60 picks. pic.twitter.com/6EJz1UTjoS
Wide receiver is the betting favorite at +125, meaning a $10 bet would profit $12.50 if they do select a wideout. Defensive lineman/edge comes in second at +300, cornerback is at +350 and then offensive lineman at +650.
Whether they're taking Ricky Pearsall out of Florida like the aforementioned mock draft predicted or looking at a player like Texas' Adonai Mitchell, Georgia's Ladd McConkey, Florida State's Keon Coleman or someone else entirely, Carolina will have plenty of options.
Adam Thielen had 1,014 receiving yards to lead the Panthers in 2023, but he's 33 years old and Carolina has almost no depth behind him. DJ Chark had 525 yards and rookie Jonathan Mingo had 418, but it's slim pickings after that.
It's critical for the Panthers to find out this year if Bryce Young can truly be their franchise QB of the future. Almost any rookie signal-caller would have failed with Carolina's weak supporting cast last year, so it's imperative to get a proper evaluation by surrounding Young with playmakers.
The Panthers have made that a clear priority this offseason and it looks like they aren't done adding receivers quite yet.
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Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.