Dan Morgan's left a good impression this offseason. The general manager had a tremendous mess to clean up, but installing a sense of long-term purpose and professionalism in the front office operation was the only way things could start trending upward.
In that sense, it's been mission accomplished. The Panthers had a chance to bolster their roster with the seven 2024 NFL Draft picks at their disposal, which Morgan had to navigate successfully to alleviate any remaining doubts about the decision to promote him to the job top.
It was fascinating to see Carolina's approach to the process. There was once again a high priority placed on giving quarterback Bryce Young some extra weapons on offense. Morgan wasn't timid when it came to trading up or down the order when opportunities came along. He also emphasized athleticism and leadership from the incoming class.
The onus is now on head coach Dave Canales to get them on the same page quickly. Preparations for the 2024 campaign will ramp up in the coming weeks, so integrating their rookie group successfully could go a long way to exceeding expectations right out of the gate.
That's for the future. For now, we took an in-depth look and graded every Panthers pick from the 2024 NFL Draft.
Carolina Panthers drafted Michael Barrett
- Linebacker | Michigan Wolverines
- Round No. 7 | No. 222 overall
Seven-round selections always face an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster. They have contract security to a certain extent, but they're starting from the bottom and have the tall order of working their way up gradually.
Michael Barrett was Carolina's final selection at No. 240 overall. He's an experienced linebacker and was a team captain with the national championship-winning Michigan Wolverines. He's a little undersized to play an every-down role in the pros, but there could be potential as a rotational piece and core special teamer.
Draft Grade: B
This was a flier pick that the Carolina Panthers can hopefully mold into a contributor in the coming years. It hasn't cost Dan Morgan to find out if there's something untapped attached. His experience within a winning program and working under accomplished head coach Jim Harbaugh should also stand him in good stead.
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Carolina Panthers drafted Jaden Crumedy
- Defensive Line | Mississipi State Bulldogs
- Round No. 6 | No. 200 overall
The Carolina Panthers could have done with identifying a genuine nose tackle with one of their 2024 NFL Draft selections. Free-agent signing A'Shawn Robinson seemed to indicate his role would be as a 3-4 defensive end opposite Derrick Brown. This leaves Shy Tuttle as the starter, who didn't look very comfortable as the anchor during his first season with the franchise.
Dan Morgan didn't draft a true nose tackle, but the general manager managed to find another depth piece with the scope to potentially grow into something more with one of their late-round selections. After much deliberation, defensive lineman Jaden Crumedy was Carolina's choice at No. 200 overall.
Crumedy has NFL-ready size and length, which is always a solid foundation from which to build. The former Mississippi State star won't be tasked with significant responsibilities immediately despite coming into the organization with some intriguing traits, but don't be surprised if he does enough to become a primary depth option at some stage during his rookie campaign.
The defensive lineman flashes explosiveness off the block. Crumedy boasts violent hands capable of shedding blocks effectively and the coordination between his lower and upper halves ensures there are few wasted moments, especially when it comes to defending the run.
For all of Crumedy's positives, he should be treated as a development project until further notice. His technique can be classed as raw and in significant need of refinement. His lateral movements can sometimes hold him back and adding to his pass-rushing arsenal would be wise, but it all looks coachable rather than anything of greater concern.
Draft Grade: B+
Crumedy has more going for him than most at this stage of the draft. The size and athleticism seem to be solid building blocks. Having two established veterans - Brown and Robinson - to help during his early transition should also help enormously. Of all Carolina's defensive picks on Day 3, this has the most upside attached by a considerable margin.
Carolina Panthers drafted Chau Smith-Wade
- Cornerback | Washington State Cougars
- Round No. 5 | No. 157 overall
One overlooked need for the Carolina Panthers heading into the 2024 NFL Draft was the cornerback position. This group was threadbare even before the departures of C.J. Henderson and Donte Jackson. Dane Jackson should help as a situational option, but it's not hard to see what complications could emerge if former first-round pick Jaycee Horn goes down with another injury complication.
Dan Morgan focused primarily on the offense with his big investments, which has been a trend throughout the offseason in pursuit of giving quarterback Bryce Young a helping hand after such a disappointing rookie campaign. They waited until Day 3 for a cornerback, with Chau Smith-Wade coming in as the No. 157 overall selection.
Smith-Wade comes with the coverage capabilities to potentially become an asset once Ejiro Evero and his staff get to grips with the rookie this offseason. The Washington State product mirrors wide receivers well downfield and tracks the football well to further raise a moderate sense of intrigue. He's also got the ball skills needed to bat passes away, although the defensive back failed to grab an interception in 2023 despite gaining two picks in the Senior Bowl.
There are positives. There are also some red flags. Smith-Wade should not be utilized on the outside under any circumstances until he adds more bulk to his frame. NFL teams will target him as a weak link - someone they can overwhelm physically en route to big gains. His athleticism isn't great, which also leads to unnecessary gambling in coverage.
Draft Grade: C
This is a good spot for Smith-Wade to develop. The Panthers have coaches renowned for helping defensive backs reach their goals. Evero, Jonathan Cooley, and DeAngelo Hall should be able to refine the player's credentials. But in terms of what impact he can make long-term, there's just no telling for sure.
Carolina Panthers drafted Ja'Tavion Sanders
- Tight End | Texas Longhorns
- Round No. 4 | No. 101 overall
Finding an athletic tight end to assist in the passing game was another strong need for the Carolina Panthers. Releasing Hayden Hurst after just one season was the latest in a long line of veteran acquisitions that couldn't lace Greg Olsen's boots. No additions were acquired in free agency, so all eyes immediately turned to the 2024 NFL Draft to see if those in power could find a dynamic option capable of making an immediate contribution.
After biding their time, the Panthers began Day 3 of the draft by selecting Ja'Tavion Sanders at No. 101 overall. The Texas prospect might be a non-factor right now as a blocker, but Carolina doesn't need him for that - at least initially.
Sanders will be tasked with providing Bryce Young with dependability and yards after the catch potential over short-to-intermediate routes. His ball skills are elite, which enables the player to make tough catches and get the football from its highest point with ease. This is matched by sharp route-running and the knowledge to manipulate opposing defensive backs in the red zone.
Get the football in Sanders' hands, and good things happen. It was surprising to see the player fall out of the opening three rounds looking at the skill set he brings to the table. This was arguably down to his inability to be effective as an in-line blocker more than anything else.
Sanders and Tommy Tremble could become a potentially productive tandem, with Ian Thomas still around as a blocking specialist. While expecting him to have a breakout campaign similar to Sam LaPorta's with the Detroit Lions in 2023 would be extremely unfair, his athleticism and natural playmaking ability could ensure a decent role early on.
Draft Grade: A
This was the definition of a high-value selection, one that could solve an ongoing compilation and give Young a tight-end security blanket he didn't have the benefit of during a rookie season to forget.
Carolina Panthers drafted Trevin Wallace
- Linebacker | Kentucky Wildcats
- Round No. 3 | No. 76 overall
Dan Morgan's made no secret of his desire to find the player with those qualities he values so highly as a former player. He's looking to reestablish the proud culture that made the Carolina Panthers a force to be reckoned with once upon a time. He wants the logo to be feared and every NFL team to know that they're going to get a fight every time they step onto the gridiron.
This isn't going to happen overnight, but Morgan has done a good job of stripping everything down and removing any players he feels don't fit into this newfound ethos. He also had a type during his first NFL Draft as general manager looking at the selections made across a frantic three days.
Trevin Wallace was a surprising pick for the Panthers at No. 72 overall. The linebacker projects to be a depth piece behind Shaq Thompson and Josey Jewell initially, but there's a chance for the Kentucky prospect to refine his craft en route to filling starting responsibilities in the coming years.
Wallace is aggressive, fast, and physical. He impressed those in power considerably throughout the pre-draft evaluation process and is a well-rounded defender with enough size and length to play a significant role on special teams while working on other areas of his game.
This aggression can sometimes be his undoing. Wallace gambles with running angles too much, which can leave him exposed to quick changes in direction. Carolina's coaching staff must also work on the player's gap discipline in running situations before confidence in placing him on the defensive rotation increases.
Draft Grade: C+
Wallace is a talented player, there's no getting away from that. How he adjusts in the weeks and months ahead will dictate his short-term aspirations and potentially provide a better indication of long-term goals. But if Morgan likes him, there needs to be a level of trust attached given his knowledge of the linebacker position.
Carolina Panthers drafted Jonathon Brooks
- Running Back | Texas Longhorns
- Round No. 2 | No. 46 overall
There was growing speculation before the 2024 NFL Draft about the Carolina Panthers potentially targeting a running back with one of their early selections. After some wheeling and dealing from general manager Dan Morgan, he stuck with conviction to secure the services of Jonathon Brooks.
This was the biggest sign yet of Carolina's offensive intentions with Dave Canales leading the charge. The head coach made no secret about his desire to install a stubborn, prolific running attack. Something that should be music to Bryce Young's ears as the signal-caller looks to silence his increasing doubters next season.
Brooks is an explosive runner capable of taking any carry to the house once a seam is exploited. He's dynamic and explosive through his initial movements. He is also able to showcase elite elusiveness in tight windows and has become a genuine three-down threat thanks to some major route-running improvements out of the backfield.
There are very few flaws to Brooks' on-field performances. The big red flag is on the injury front, with the former Texas sensation suffering a torn ACL suffered when he looked primed for Heisman Trophy candidacy in 2023.
The Panthers probably examined this in great detail throughout their assessments. Brooks is recovering well and should be able to assist immediately providing there are no further complications. If Carolina is satisfied on the health front, that's another positive fans can hang onto.
Draft Grade: B+
Trading up for a running back did raise a few eyebrows, especially considering the presence of Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders, and Raheem Blackshear. However, the Panthers are increasing competition across the board and if Brooks integrates smoothly, one could make a strong case for him being the team's No. 1 option heading into the new campaign.
That seems a little harsh on Hubbard. But this is a business above all else.
Carolina Panthers drafted Xavier Legette
- Wide Receiver | South Carolina Gamecocks
- Round No. 1 | No. 32 overall
One could forgive Carolina Panthers fans for disengaging on Day 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft. They didn't have the No. 1 overall selection as part of their trade for Bryce Young. But those who watched right until the end were rewarded when general manager Dan Morgan made a surprising move back into the first round.
The Panthers struck a deal to move up one spot to No. 32 overall. It seemed strange at the time considering they were next up at No. 33. Basically, Morgan swapped a fifth-rounder with a sixth-round selection to ensure he got a fifth-year option on wide receiver Xavier Legette's deal.
Legette was linked with the Panthers heavily throughout the pre-draft process. The wideout freely admitted publicly that Carolina told him he'd be the guy if still available. Although Dave Canales played down the comments, it wasn't difficult to read between the lines.
This is another positive step to give Bryce Young a fighting chance of making something of his time under center. Legette isn't the most polished route-runner, but he's incredibly gifted athletically and can be utilized almost anywhere along the line of scrimmage with equal effectiveness.
The former South Carolina standout became a human highlight reel during his breakout campaign with the Gamecocks in 2023. Legette took time to adjust in college, but everything seemed to click emphatically. If Dave Canales can use this newfound momentum as a springboard for further growth, his offense will have another gifted playmaker to depend upon.
Draft Grade: B+
Legette has a lot going for him and seems to be overjoyed playing close to home. The Panthers believe he can be the field stretcher needed to open things up. But he's far from a one-trick pony, so there's just no telling what Canales has planned for one of the most unique wide receivers the Panthers have had in some time.