5 draft prospects for the Panthers to replace Robbie Anderson in 2023

Carolina Panthers could target Josh Downs

If the Carolina Panthers want to look a little closer to home for another dynamic playmaker, then Josh Downs is someone worth checking out. The North Carolina prospect came of age with increased targets in 2021 and has built on this newfound momentum throughout his opening five games this time around to come under the draft microscope.

Downs is almost unguardable in one-on-one situations. Anyone playing him on an island has found that out to their cost this season and although things will be more difficult in the pros, it’s a solid foundation from which to build.

With a rare combination of speed, route-running, and ball skills, Downs is a tremendous prospect and someone that’s currently projected as a Day 2 selection. Providing he can overcome his size and complications against press coverage on occasions, someone is going to have a real player on their hands.

Carolina has D.J. Moore leading the charge and hopefully, Terrace Marshall Jr. can emerge into the force hoped for when the Panthers took him at No. 59 overall in 2021. Adding Downs to this potentially productive tandem is an intriguing possibility with obvious benefits.

While Downs might be a slot option in the NFL with enormous upside, that’s all the Panthers might need if Marshall takes advantage of the significant opportunity awaiting him after Robbie Anderson was moved on for two late-round picks.