INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (CHARLOTTE SPORTS LIVE) — While it’s not the ideal position, it’s not as if the Panthers don’t have options when it comes to their first selection — the 33rd pick — in the upcoming NFL Draft.
And if Carolina winds up choosing a wide receiver by the second round, there will still be plenty of guys who would be more than qualified to play alongside second-year quarterback Bryce Young.
“I’ll give him a very reliable target,” said reciever Keon Coleman. “He has Adam Thielen but I feel like I bring a different dynamic to that offense.”
And what would that be?
“Touchdowns,” he smiles.
You have to like the confidence from the 20-year-old Florida State product. This was a guy who bet on himself, leaving Michigan State for FSU so his star could shine even brighter. Some mock drafts have him going late in the first round, but his speed is a concern, and that is how he could fall right into Carolina’s lap.
“Ah, we’ll see,” he says.
If it doesn’t happen with Coleman, another wide receiver who would make a good Panther is Xavier Worthy. Ranked as a top-50 prospect by most experts, Worthy wowed for the Texas Longhorns with his speed and shiftiness. He knows all about the Panthers’ personnel as well, and he’d be more than happy to help get QB No. 1 back on track.
“Bryce being there, I feel like he got a bad look this year,” he said. “I feel like that’s not him.”
Much like Young, Coleman has doubters. However, in the case of this 6-foot-1, 172-pounder, it’s about his weight.
If Carolina passes, there’s always Troy Franklin. At 6-3, and 187 pounds, the Oregon standout a little bigger height wise, plus he’s a proven blocker who’s willing to do whatever it takes for his team.
“I just work hard at my craft,” he explained. “I take pride on my release game. I think that helps me a lot.”
There are other guys too. LSU’s Brian Thomas would be nice but there’s no telling if he’ll still be around.
“Wherever I end up, I would hope to be a great receiver there,” Thomas said.
A lot up is up the air but this much is for sure: There are plenty of newcomers who would be more than happy to become Young’s favorite target this fall.