5 TE prospects the Panthers must monitor ahead of 2023 NFL Draft
By Luke Gray
Carolina Panthers should monitor Luke Musgrave
Another player the Carolina Panthers could look to add is Luke Musgrave. At 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, the tight end was on course for a big season for the Oregon State Beavers, gaining more than 80 receiving yards in his first two games before an injury threw a spanner into the works.
A multi-sport athlete in high school, Musgrave is blessed with natural athleticism and has the speed that can trouble linebackers. This is something the Panthers are crying out for at the position.
An adequate route runner, Musgrave does his best work when running vertical routes. Carolina’s tight ends just haven’t done enough in this particular area following Greg Olsen’s departure.
As with some of the other tight ends in this class, Musgrave does struggle creating separation when faced with hands-on physical coverage. He also struggles to break away from defenders who challenge him at the beginning of his route.
However, Musgrave does have the allure of being a real red-zone threat with his height.
There may be some hesitancy with Musgrave due to his limited production and only college 13 starts. This may cause him to slip and Panthers could pick up the player on Day 2.
The player seemed to be heading for a breakout season in 2022 before injuries took over. Carolina may take this risk and bring Musgrave on board once the assessment process concludes.