4 players the Panthers could have drafted instead of Derrick Brown

Carolina Panthers could have drafted CeeDee Lamb

In reality, looking back at the Carolina Panthers wide receiver room in 2020, taking CeeDee Lamb in the first round was a non-starter. After all, it contained D.J. Moore, the newly acquired Robby Anderson, and Curtis Samuel, so bringing in a fourth premier wideout would have made little sense.

However, with what has transpired since the Panthers may in hindsight regret the choice.

After a 1,000-yard season in 2020, Samuel was not re-signed and headed to rejoin Ron Rivera and the Washington Commanders. We also saw a regression from Anderson where it seemed at times he couldn’t even catch a cold during the previous campaign.

Having another stud in Lamb alongside Moore would have left Panthers fans licking their lips. Of course, catching passes from Dak Prescott as opposed to Sam Darnold will have helped, but in the 2021 season, the former Oklahoma man had an impressive 79 receptions with 1,102 receiving yards and six scores, leading to a Pro Bowl selection.

Whether or not Lamb would have had the same numbers in Carolina is debatable. But Moore has proven if you’re a good enough player you can get yards whoever is the signal-caller.

I’m sure new Panthers quarterback Matt Corral would be salivating at the thought of having Moore and Lamb as his stud wide receiver tandem. But again, Derrick Brown was the safe and wise choice providing he takes his game up a notch in Year 3.