'24 Preview: Carolina Panthers
All Access Football previews the 2024 Carolina Panthers. All Access. All Football. All The Time.
Volume XXIV Edition XX | 2024 Preview: Carolina Panthers
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CAROLINA PANTHERS 2024 SEASON PREVIEW
NFC SOUTH || 2023 Record: 2-15 || AAF Preseason Power Ranking: 32
Team Brass
Owner: David Tepper || General Manager: Dan Morgan || Head Coach: Dave Canales || Offensive Coordinator: Brad Idzik || Defensive Coordinator: Ejiro Evero || Special Teams: Tracy Smith
2024 NFLPA Report Card || Overall Ranking (17 of 32)
Offense Rankings
Total Offense: 265.3 (32nd) || Passing: 161.2 (32nd) || Rushing: 104.1 (20th) || Points: 13.9 (T-31st) || Sacked: 65 (T-30th) || 3rd Down: 34.1% (27th)
Defense Rankings
Total Defense: 293.9 (4th) || Passing: 171.5 (3rd) || Rushing: 122.4 (23rd) || Points Allowed: 24.5 (29th) || Sacks: 27 (32nd) || Turnover Differential: -9 (T-25th)
Top 10 Franchise Players
OT Ikem Ekwonu
LB Jadeveon Clowney
DE Derrick Brown
WR Diontae Johnson
QB Bryce Young
OG Robert Hunt
OG Damien Lewis
WR Adam Thielen
S Xavier Woods
C Austin Corbett
Key Additions
WR Diontae Johnson (Steelers) || OG Damien Lewis (Seahawks) || OG Robert Hunt (Dolphins) || DT A’Shawn Robinson (Giants) || LB Jadeveon Clowney (Ravens) || LB K’Lavon Chaisson (Jaguars) || LB D.J. Wonnum (Vikings) || CB Dane Jackson (Bills) || S Jordan Fuller (Rams) || S Nick Scott (Bengals)
Key Losses
WR DJ Chark (Chargers) || WR Laviska Shenault (Seahawks) || TE Hayden Hurst (Chargers) || C Bradley Bozeman (Chargers) || DE DeShawn Williams (Bills) || LB Brian Burns (Giants) || LB Frankie Luvu (Commanders) || LB Yetur Gross-Matos (49ers) || LB Deion Jones (Bills) || LB Kamu Grugier-Hill (Vikings) || CB Donte Jackson (Steelers) || CB C.J. Henderson (Texans) || CB Shaquill Griffin (Vikings) || S Jeremy Chinn (Commanders) || S Vonn Bell (Bengals)
Breakout Players
QB Bryce Young - It was a bumpy road for Young. The No.1 overall pick had nearly as many interceptions (10) as touchdowns (11), while completing just 59.4% of his attempts for 2,877 passing yards. It wasn’t all doldrums for Young, who did manage to orchestrate two come from behind fourth quarter victories. The Panthers added reinforcements with the free agent signing of Diontae Johnson and selection of Xavier Legette in the draft, so Young should be set up for a more successful year two
WR Jonathan Mingo - The fellow rookie wideout provided some help at wideout, nabbing 43 balls for 418 yards, demonstrating no fear across the middle. With a much stronger supporting cast, look for Mingo to rise with the tide.
DT Nick Thurman - After pit stops in New England and Atlanta, Thurman seems to have found a permanent home in Carolina. The run-stuffing defensive tackle made 31 tackles a year ago and should be an important part of the defensive line rotation, especially on run downs.
2024 NFL Draft Class
It was evident that Carolina sorely needed to surround Bryce Young with some weapons. Slight upgrades were made by investing three of their first four selection con complimentary parts on offense, including at running back, wideout and tight end. With Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders already on the roster, there’s no need to rush Jonathon Brooks who is coming off injury. Initial Overall Rookie Assessment: Medium Level Impact
Rd.1 No.32 - WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina (photo credit: ABC 11)
Rd.2 No.14 - RB Jonathon Brooks, Texas
Rd.3 No.72 - LB Trevin Wallace, Kentucky
Rd.4 No.101 - TE Ja'Tavion Sanders, Texas
Rd.5 No.157 - CB Chau Smith-Wade, Washington State
Rd.6 No.200 - DT Jaden Crumedy, Mississippi State
Rd.7 No.240 - LB Michael Barrett, Michigan
UDFA Watch
RB Jaden Shirden, Monmouth
WR Jalen Coker, Holy Cross
LB Kenny Dyson, Bryant
Top 10 Players Under 25
QB Bryce Young (22)
OT Ikem Ekwonu (23)
CB Jaycee Horn (24)
WR Jonathan Mingo (23)
RB Jonathon Brooks (20)
WR Xavier Legette (23)
TE Ja’Tavion Sanders (21)
S Demani RIchardson (23)
TE Tommy Tremble (24)
RB Jaden Shirden (20)
Prediction
Vegas O/U Win Total: 5.5 - The ‘Cats lack roar, 3-14.