Which Carolina Panthers players are trending toward becoming draft busts unless things dramatically improve in 2023?
The term draft bust is one that players around the NFL do not want to associate themselves with. However, they come around every year and the Carolina Panthers are not exempt from miscues when it comes to evaluating college talent.
While the team’s first-round selections in recent years seem to be working out, what separates the good teams from the great is finding value further down the pecking order. Something the Panthers haven’t done effectively enough and depth has suffered as a result.
One could probably determine a bust as someone picked in the top 100 that didn’t reach the heights expected. Anything beyond that represents a gamble that could go either way.
With this in mind, here are four Panthers players trending toward draft-bust status unless significant improvements occur in 2023.
Player No. 1
Tommy Tremble – Carolina Panthers TE
- No. 83 overall selection (2021)
When the Carolina Panthers drafted Tommy Tremble, there was hope he could eventually evolve into the complete package at tight end. Something the team hasn’t had since Greg Olsen was putting up exceptional numbers consistently.
Tremble’s blocking is first-class, but his lack of involvement in the passing game means the jury is still out. Although the scope for further improvements under Frank Reich next season cannot be dismissed entirely.
Laviska Shenault Jr. – Carolina Panthers WR
- No. 42 overall selection (2020)
While Laviska Shenault Jr. wasn’t picked by the Carolina Panthers, they did think enough of the wide receiver to acquire him via trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars. A move that could still go either way after an indifferent first campaign with the franchise.
Shenault was brought along gradually as he got to grips with Ben McAdoo’s system. The No. 42 overall selection in 2020 did flash moments of quality, but it wasn’t consistent enough en route to 27 receptions for 272 receiving yards and one touchdown.
The Panthers didn’t give up much for Shenault. But what role he’ll have under Frank Reich in 2023 is dependent on how the head coach perceives his talent in a competitive setting.
There is enough explosiveness and ability to generate yards after the catch to indicate more involvement could arrive. But if the Colorado product cannot become more effective, then a situation could emerge where Carolina cuts him loose after his contract expires in 2024.
Shenault came into the NFL with a glowing reputation as someone that could become a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver. It hasn’t materialized as yet and based on the player’s current path, he might never reach these objectives in Carolina or elsewhere.
Not everyone is built to be elite. But there’s nothing to suggest Reich cannot get more out of Shenault provided everything goes well during the upcoming preparation period.
Yetur Gross-Matos – Carolina Panthers DE
- No. 39 overall selection (2020)
When the Carolina Panthers opted to let Haason Reddick walk in free agency, Yetur Gross-Matos was presented with a huge opportunity to showcase what he could bring from a starting role. The defensive lineman showed flashes on the rotation over his first two seasons, so hopes were high surrounding his prospects working alongside Brian Burns on the edge.
Gross-Matos has the physical tools needed to be a difference-maker. But injuries hindered his early progress and the former Penn State standout failed to make the necessary impact during a hugely disappointing campaign.
The No. 39 overall selection in 2020 mustered just 2.5 sacks throughout the season. There was almost no consistent pass-rush opposite Burns because of this and it’s something the Panthers must rectify as one of their top priorities this offseason.
This casts further doubt on Gross-Matos’ long-term aspirations in Carolina heading into the final year of his deal. While there’s a chance he can thrive under Ejiro Evero, this is probably going to be from a rotational role rather than prominent starting reps.
Gross-Matos didn’t capitalize on his shot and Reddick thrived with the Philadelphia Eagles. This makes allowing him to leave among the biggest mistakes of the Matt Rhule era.
C.J. Henderson – Carolina Panthers CB
- No. 9 overall selection (2020)
After another season littered with inconsistencies, C.J. Henderson is highly unlikely to reach the ceiling expected of a top-10 draft selection. Something that makes it almost impossible for the Carolina Panthers to justify picking up his fifth-year option this offseason.
Again, this wasn’t a player selected by the Panthers, although he was reportedly high on their list of potential candidates before they eventually went with Derrick Brown at No. 7 overall in 2020. However, those in power felt they could turn his career around, giving up a third-round selection and Dan Arnold to bring him on board.
There were some positives from Henderson, who responded well to some harsh words from Steve Wilks when things weren’t going in his favor. But a dismal outing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17 proved beyond all doubt a rotational role is probably where he’s best suited.
Henderson needs a monumental offseason of growth for confidence in his abilities to increase. He also needs to impress new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, who can ill afford any passengers jeopardizing his blossoming reputation in league circles.
Considering how dominant Henderson was at Florida, avoiding the draft bust label now seems impossible. Another season with the same complications could mean he’s out of the league entirely.