So, how’s the landscape looking after this year’s underwear olympics?
With the 2024 combine now in the books, here’s our latest mock draft for the Carolina Panthers:
Pick No. 33 (Second round): Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
With fellow wideouts Adonai Mitchell and Ladd McConkey making strong cases for first-round status in Indy, it appears as though Coleman drops as a consolation prize for the Panthers here. But that’s not the case.
Although he did register the second-slowest 40-yard dash (4.61 seconds) amongst all receivers, the 6-foot-3, 213-pounder reached the fastest speed (20.36 mph) on the gauntlet drill. The exercise gave Coleman a chance to display his focus, sticky hands and ability to pick up ground in heartbeat.
Keon Coleman (@FSUFootball) reached the fastest speed of group 8 during the gauntlet drill (20.36 mph), despite recording the slowest forty time (4.61s).#NFLCombine x @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/1SioPdOPNU
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 2, 2024
Plus, he had a personalized and very appealing message for the Panthers and quarterback Bryce Young during his media availability on Friday—promising he could bring a different dynamic and some much-needed touchdowns to their offense. Yes, please.
Pick No. 65 (Third round): Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
It’s likelier than not that Legette is nabbed before the third round. But given the draft’s unpredictability and the tremendous amount of depth at the wide receiver position this year, we could certainly see some slippage.
If so, we’ll take this delicious double dip with the potent 6-foot-1, 221-pounder. Legette, who had reportedly met with the Panthers twice before the combine, showed that potency by recording the position’s sixth-fastest 40-yard dash (4.39 seconds) and sixth-highest vertical jump (40 inches).
4.39u on the second run for @GamecockFB WR Xavier Legette
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/ZPayO5RaHm— NFL (@NFL) March 2, 2024
While Coleman and Legette may not be the most refined pair of pass catchers we can nab for Carolina, they have a ton of exciting skills and size you simply cannot teach. As for what they can learn, let’s trust they’ll get it from head coach Dave Canales—who served as the wide receivers coach in Seattle for eight years.
Pick No. 101 (Fourth round): Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
On Monday, we learned that cornerback Donte Jackson—who has been with the organization since 2018—is likely on the outs. But even if he wasn’t, the Panthers defense would still be hurting for depth at this spot.
Melton (5-foot-11, 187 pounds) had one of the most impressive combine performances of any corner at Lucas Oil Stadium this past weekend. He ranked first at the position in the broad jump (11-foot-4), fourth in the vertical jump (40.5 inches) and eighth in the 40-yard dash (4.39 seconds).
.@RFootball DB Max Melton's day so far:
– 4.39u 40
– 11'4"u broad
– 40.5"u vertical📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/BE3b5TSLo4— NFL (@NFL) March 1, 2024
Pick No. 140 (Fifth round): Tanor Bortolini, iOL, Wisconsin
Speaking of dominating their position, Bortolini was a star for the centers.
Per NFL’s Next Gen Stats, his short shuttle (4.28 seconds) and his three-cone (7.16 seconds) both ranked in the top five amongst all offensive linemen since 2003. Additionally, his Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.78 puts him 33rd out of 1,445 guards since 1987.
A 4.94u on Bortolini's 2nd run! 🔥
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/cNPR3VU2Sp— NFL (@NFL) March 3, 2024
Bortolini can bring some depth and versatility to the trenches, and perhaps even push for the starting center job sooner rather than later.
Pick No. 164 (Fifth round): Brennan Jackson, EDGE, Washington State
The Panthers have to add some juice off the edge, and that’s even if two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns sticks around.
Jackson ended up registering an impressive RAS of 8.97 and an Athleticism Score of 74, the 11th-best amongst all edge defenders. Given his size (6-foot-4 and 264 pounds) and speed, he’d be a fit as a 3-4 backer in Carolina.
Brennan Jackson 1.62u#NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/OJuJ6cNf0U
— WalkTheMock (@WalkTheMock) February 29, 2024
Pick No. 179 (Sixth round): Tip Reiman, TE, Illinois
Why not finish up with the viral star of the combine?
Reiman caught some ears this past week when questioning the validity of pigeons. But he also caught some elite numbers, posting a 9.93 RAS, and some passes . . .
Tip Reiman looking smooth in the gauntlet pic.twitter.com/lYHEIJRwag
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) March 2, 2024
Could Reiman spread his wings for Carolina?
