Trade Up for a WR? That Would Be a Mistake for the Panthers
The wide receivers took the field yesterday in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine and what transpired helped support what we already knew - this is a deep receiver class.
Xavier Worthy (Texas) stole the show by running a record-setting 4.21 40-yard dash on his second attempt, following up a 4.25 run.
Coming into the week, Worthy was widely projected as an early second round pick and although his fast forty time caught the nation's attention, NFL scouts already had a pretty good idea that he could fly. Does a forty significantly impact one's draft stock? Maybe for some players, but for Worthy, it was just confirmation.
Worthy's college teammate, Adonai Mitchell, also raised some eyebrows running a 4.35 at 6'2", 205 pounds. The big-bodied receiver had a breakout season in Austin, logging 55 receptions for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns.
As easy as it can be to get wrapped up into what a prospect does at the combine, Panthers fans have to remember that with limited draft capital, it makes very little sense to move up from No. 33.
Carolina should take the approach of filling its top needs (receiver and o-line) in free agency so that when the draft rolls around they can take the best player available. This isn't a team that's on the cusp of contending and needs that one missing piece on the outside - there are several spots on this roster that need upgraded. Drafting for need over BPA would be silly, especially coming off a 2-15 season.
Other receivers Keon Coleman (Florida State), Ladd McConkey (Georgia), Troy Franklin (Oregon), Xavier Legette (South Carolina), Ja'Lynn Polk (Washington), Javon Baker (UCF), and Brian Thomas Jr. (LSU) are all potential candidates for the Panthers in the second and third rounds of the draft. And who knows? Maybe Worthy and Mitchell slip to the second as well.
Carolina must remain patient and I expect that they will. Dan Morgan has already expressed that there isn't much interest in moving up.
