Ranking the Panthers' Three Best Draft Picks (and Two Worst)

The Panthers retooled their offense in a big way during the 2024 NFL Draft, finding weapons for Bryce Young with three of their first four selections. That included a trade into the first round to take South Carolina WR Xavier Legette, potentially giving Carolina a dangerous pass-catching group alongside Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen.

With the organization hoping to take a big step forward after a disastrous 2-15 season in 2023, it's imperative for this draft class to contribute as quickly as possible.

While some picks should thrill fans, not every selection was a slam dunk. As we approach rookie minicamp and summer workouts, let's discuss the three best Panthers draft picks and two worst, starting with the good before moving to the bad.

Carolina Panthers' Three Best NFL Draft Picks

1. Ja'Tavion Sanders - Tight End, Texas (4th Round)

The Panthers badly needed an upgrade at tight end. With respect to Tommy Trimble, a bonfide pass-catching tight end could elevate this offense and give Bryce Young another safety blanket over the middle of the field.

Sanders, who might've been the No. 1 tight end drafted if he stayed in school one more year, represents a massive value in the fourth round and should immediately become Carolina's starter at the position. At 6'4", 256 LBs with a 4.69 40-yard dash and reliable hands, Sanders averaged 15.2 yards per catch at Texas this year and is an immediate matchup problem on passing downs.

It's easy to imagine Sanders carving out a nice role in this offense, as he'll quickly create matchup problems no matter the formation. Upgrading the wide receiver group was a priority to solidify the supporting cast around Young, but finding a dynamic tight end was equally as important.

GM Dan Morgan deserves a lot of praise for this selection. Sanders' willingness to block in the run game means he doesn't have to come off the field on early downs, adding another element to keep defenses guessing no matter where he lines up.

This was one of my favorite draft picks by any team in any round.