5 draft snubs haunting the Carolina Panthers after Greg Little trade
By Jason Huber
D.K. Metcalf – WR
While A.J. Brown has been a draft steal in his own right, D.K. Metcalf has been an even better acquisition that teams are probably regretting not taking a chance on.
The Carolina Panthers easily took the wrong Ole Miss product when they drafted Greg Little.
Metcalf slid further than most expected in 2019, falling to the Seattle Seahawks at the 64th pick, and in two seasons, he’s proven to be exactly the physical and dominant receiver that some thought he could be coming out of the college level.
Not surprisingly, Carolina’s general manager Scott Fitterer was a prominent figure within Seattle’s draft process when Metcalf was taken, which only enhanced his reputation among league circles.
Metcalf has been quarterback Russell Wilson’s top target, compiling 2,203 receiving yards, 17 touchdowns, and averaging 15.6 yards per reception. He was named second-team All-Pro in 2020.
Just as dominant as it would have been if Carolina had drafted Brown, the Panthers might have the best offense in the league right now if Metcalf was lining up alongside D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, and Christian McCaffrey.
Metcalf looks like he could be a Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver if he keeps this type of production up and he’ll always be a ‘what-if’ for Carolina fans.