The 2023 Carolina Panthers were an absolute dumpster fire in every way. It’s hard to remember a franchise having a worse season on all fronts in recent memory than the Panthers did.
They needed a good offseason, but free agency was underwhelming. And, through the first two rounds, their NFL Draft has been puzzling, at best.
First off, despite being the worst team in the league last year, they were without a first-round pick due to the trade with the Bears prior to last year’s draft that gave them the top selection they used to draft Bryce Young. So, they were already down some draft capital coming into the draft
They were originally slated to pick 33rd overall, which is the first pick in the second round. But, they traded with the Bills to move up from 33 to 32 to select South Carolina wide receier Xavier Legette. They didn’t have to give up much, swapping pick 141 for pick 200, but they could’ve likely drafted Legette at 33. It just shows they have no clue what they’re doing.
The Carolina Panthers are a team with a lot of holes at premium positions that went 2-15 last year. So, what did they think the smart thing to in round 2 was? Trade up for a running back.
The #Panthers trade up and take the Draft's first RB — #Texas' Jonathan Brooks at No. 46.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2024
This is no slight on Jonathan Brooks, who should be a pretty good player in the NFL. But, c’mon Carolina! You have more pressing needs than taking a running back in Round 2!
Carolina Panthers are a complete joke at this point.
— Analytics of Dynasty (@McNamaraDynasty) April 27, 2024
This comes after owner David Tepper continued making headlines for the wrong reasons, as he was caught on camera castigating restaurant workers over a sign he didn’t like.
They need to draft better if they want to return to respectability.