6 burning questions Carolina Panthers fans have ahead of Week 7

Could WR be a need for the Carolina Panthers?

Is wide receiver now a need in the draft? Also thoughts on the upcoming WR rookies? – DMZ

Thank you for your question, DMZ.

Following Robbie Anderson’s trade to the Arizona Cardinals, the Carolina Panthers now have a wide receiver room that features the following: D.J. Moore, Terrace Marshall Jr., Shi Smith, Laviska Shenault Jr., Rashard Higgins, and Derek Wright.

Looking at this group, there’s not a lot of proven talent outside of Moore. For what it’s worth, it’s hard to evaluate anyone in Ben McAdoo’s offense, which means the position will be one of need heading into the offseason.

In order, the top needs for the Panthers are quarterback, pass-rusher, tight end, linebacker, and wide receiver. However, I believe the top four positions listed take priority for the team to address before bringing in another wideout.

As of right now, I don’t have any true draft takes on the wide receiver class outside of what I saw during summer evaluations. Though I do have some on the class through preliminary viewings.

USC’s Jordan Addison looks like the top receiver in the 2023 class, showing off the terrific route-running ability and ball skills that made him the Biletnikoff Trophy winner last year.  TCU’s Quentin Johnson has come on as of late with more than 200 yards and 180 yards in the last two weeks, displaying great athletic ability, run-after-catch skills, and ball skills at 6-foot-4 and 212 pounds.

Boston College’s Zay Flowers, North Carolina’s Josh Downs, Tennessee’s Jalin Hyatt, UCLA’s Jake Bobo, and Maryland’s Rakim Jarrett are names to consider as we approach the beginning of the NFL Draft process in late December and early January.