The Carolina Panthers are looking to upgrade their wide receiver corps for the 2024 season, and they will have plenty of options to choose from at the NFL Scouting Combine. The Panthers have the 10th overall pick in the draft, and they could use it to land a potential No. 1 receiver for their young quarterback, Bryce Young. Here are five wide receiver prospects that Panthers fans should watch closely at the combine, which starts on March 1.
Troy Franklin: The speedster from Oregon
One of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft is Troy Franklin, who had a breakout senior season at Oregon. Franklin is listed at 6-foot-3 and 187 pounds, and he has elite speed and explosiveness. He can stretch the field vertically, create separation with his route running, and make big plays after the catch. Franklin topped 100 receiving yards in eight of his 13 games in 2023, catching 72 passes for 1,342 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also averaged 18.6 yards per catch, which ranked fourth in the nation. Franklin could be the deep threat that the Panthers need to complement Adam Thielen and D.J. Moore. He is projected to be a late first-round pick, but he could boost his stock with a fast 40-yard dash time at the combine.
Keon Coleman: The big-bodied target from Michigan State
Another prospect that could fit the Panthers’ needs is Keon Coleman, who had a productive career at Michigan State. Coleman is a big-bodied receiver, standing at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds. He has the strength and physicality to win contested catches and dominate in the red zone. He also has good hands and body control, making him a reliable target in traffic. Coleman caught 59 passes for 867 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023, leading the Spartans in all three categories. He also had six 100-yard games, including a career-high 178 yards and two touchdowns against Penn State. Coleman could be a valuable addition to the Panthers’ receiver room, giving Young a large target to aim for in tight situations. He is projected to be a second-round pick, but he could impress scouts with his size and skills at the combine.
Xavier Worthy: The explosive playmaker from Texas
If the Panthers are looking for a dynamic playmaker who can score from anywhere on the field, they should keep an eye on Xavier Worthy. Worthy had a sensational sophomore season at Texas, where he emerged as one of the best receivers in the country. Worthy is a smaller receiver, measuring at 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds, but he has incredible speed and agility. He can run past defenders, make sharp cuts, and elude tackles with ease. Worthy caught 74 passes for 1,256 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023, averaging 17 yards per catch. He also had four games with over 150 receiving yards, including a 261-yard, three-touchdown performance against Oklahoma. Worthy could be the fastest receiver in this year’s draft class, and he could dazzle scouts with his athleticism at the combine. He is projected to be a first-round pick, and he could be a tempting option for the Panthers at No. 10.
Jalen Tolbert: The underrated star from South Alabama
One of the most underrated prospects in this year’s draft is Jalen Tolbert, who was a star at South Alabama. Tolbert is a well-rounded receiver who has good size, speed, and hands. He can play both outside and in the slot, and he can run a variety of routes. Tolbert was one of the most productive receivers in college football, catching 86 passes for 1,398 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2023. He also led the nation in receptions of 20 yards or more, with 28. Tolbert could be a steal for the Panthers in the middle rounds of the draft, as he has the potential to be a consistent contributor in the NFL. He could also surprise scouts with his performance at the combine, where he could showcase his versatility and polish.
Jordan Addison: The ACC standout from Pittsburgh
The last prospect on this list is Jordan Addison, who won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s best receiver in 2023. Addison was a key part of Pittsburgh’s explosive offense, where he formed a lethal connection with quarterback Kenny Pickett. Addison is a smooth and savvy receiver who has excellent route-running and separation skills. He also has great hands and ball skills, making him a dependable target in all situations. Addison caught 93 passes for 1,563 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2023, leading the ACC in all three categories. He also had seven 100-yard games, including a 202-yard, four-touchdown performance against Wake Forest in the ACC Championship Game. Addison could be a great fit for the Panthers, as he could play in the slot or on the outside, and he could thrive in Dave Canales’ offense. He is projected to be a second-round pick, but he could improve his draft stock with a strong showing at the combine.
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