It’s no secret that the Carolina Panthers want to select a wide receiver early in the 2024 NFL Draft. While the team has Adam Thielen and Diontae Johnson on the roster, neither player is a long-term solution at the position. Thielen, while still productive, is entering his age-34 season while Johnson is only under contract for one more season. With the success of the franchise hinging on Bryce Young’s development, Carolina needs to do everything they can to ensure he becomes a franchise quarterback.
The 2024 wide receiver class is loaded with talent, and Carolina should be able to find someone capable of making a Day 1 impact with either of their second-round picks. During a recent appearance on the Panthers on Tap podcast, ESPN’s draft analyst Jordan Reid stated that the Panthers could target Keon Coleman or Xavier Legette with either of their second-round picks.
Panthers Targeting Keon Coleman, Xavier Legette In 2024 NFL Draft
The Panthers hold the 33rd and 39th picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, and they probably use both picks on the wide receiver position. Instead, one should assume that Carolina will decide between these two players with the 33rd-overall pick.
Keon Coleman and Xavier Legette are similar players. While each young prospect has their own specific strengths and weaknesses, both players are perimeter receivers who excel at using their size to win in contested situations. Legette has a higher ceiling, while Coleman has a better track record of collegiate production.
There is no such thing as a can’t-miss prospect, especially in the second round. However, Coleman and Legette have the traits to succeed at the next level, and the Panthers should be happy to draft either prospect. However, they won’t be the only team interested in selecting either player.
Other Potential Landing Spots
Los Angeles Chargers
It would be roster malpractice if the Los Angeles Chargers do not select at least one wide receiver early in the draft. After parting ways with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams due to their lofty cap hits, the team doesn’t have a single reliable offensive weapon. If the Panthers wait to draft a receiver until the 39th-overall pick, Los Angeles could select one of these two to play the Mike Williams role in the offense.
New England Patriots
Much like the Chargers, the Patriots must rebuild their pass-catching corps from scratch. Kendrick Bourne and Demario Douglas are solid depth players, but this team needs to find a genuine threat on the perimeter. DeVante Parker crashed and burned in this role, but Xavier Legette and Keon Coleman both have a decent shot of thriving with New England’s next quarterback.
New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr can succeed in the right system, but the 2024 New Orleans Saints are not providing the optimal environment for success. With question marks at both tackle positions, the Saints could trade down from the 14th-overall pick and try to land multiple quality starters. If they do this, one of those players could do Keon Coleman or Xavier Legette. One of the best ways to minimize the impact of the offensive line is to get a player who is never truly covered. Both prospects can out-muscle defenders at the catch point, so Carr should be able to avoid pressure by throwing jump balls to one of the rookies. As a bonus, the Saints would probably love to draft someone high on the Panthers board.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills currently hold the 28th-overall pick in the NFL Draft, which is probably the earliest either player could go off the board. The Bills need to replace Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis, and either of these young prospects could help with that goal. While neither player is as versatile as Diggs, both should be able to fill the vacated role of Gabriel Davis. With Curtis Samuel and Khalil Shakir handling the intermediate plays, this offense should remain one of the best in football.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are once again in the wide receiver market following the Rashee Rice car crash. While Marquise Brown provides a quality deep threat, this team could use a player capable of winning with size. Xavier Legette and Keon Coleman both fit this description to a tee, and the reigning Super Bowl champions could draft either one of these players just before the Panthers are on the clock.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
