Grading Panthers' 2024 NFL Draft: Carolina focuses on playmakers for Bryce Young

The topic of conversation all weekend was getting Bryce Young enough offensive help. 

And with nearly every selection, Dan Morgan and Dave Canales proved that is the vantage point with which they were operating. 

Let's review and grade the Panthers' seven selections over the weekend. 

First round, 32nd overall: Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina

Carolina's interest in Legette was apparent for weeks leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft. Both Morgan and Canales liked Legette enough to make sure the Panthers trade into the first round to ensure the team has his fifth-year option if he works out as a go-to receiver. Though Legette's college experience is limited, he has all the tools to become an elite receiver at the NFL level. 

Grade: B+

Second-round, 46th overall: Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas

In the lead-up to the draft, Canales talked extensively about wanting to rebuild the Panthers' running game. Selecting Brooks was a clear admission of that goal. The Panthers landed Young a passing-game weapon in the first and a running-game weapon in the second. The question now becomes how Brooks fits in with Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders. 

Grade: B-

Third-round, 72nd overall: Trevin Wallace, LB, Kentucky

Wallace is a physically imposing linebacker. He is athletic and appears pegged to be the successor to Shaq Thompson eventually. He is far from a pro product immediately, but if his game grows into his athletic attributes, nabbing him in the third round was a great value pick. 

Grade: C+

Fourth-round, 101st overall: Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas

Sanders is another passing game weapon for Young heading into the quarterback's second season. He will complement the stable of pass-blocking tight ends currently on the roster. For Sanders to be available on Day 3 of the draft was an incredible feat. His selection looks like the best value out of any pick made on Saturday. 

Grade: A

Fifth-round, 157th overall: Chau Smith-Wade, CB, Washington State

Smith-Wade wasn't an interception threat during his last college season. The Panthers needed help in the secondary and got it. It is clear, however, the Panthers still need to sign someone at the cornerback position even after making this selection. 

Grade: C-

Sixth-round, 200th overall: Jaden Crumedy, DT, Mississippi State

Crumedy has good size at the defensive tackle slot. He also is very experienced. For his college career, he played five seasons. Yes, five seasons. He has the talent to make the defensive line rotation. However, that will have to be proven in training camp. 

Grade: C+

Seventh-round, 240th overall: Michael Barrett, LB, Michigan

Barrett is Michigan's all-time winningest player. He can play special teams and he can also get to the quarterback, collecting three sacks. 

Grade: C+