Dave Canales, the new coach of the Carolina Panthers, has emphasized to Bryce Young the importance of not shouldering the entire team’s burden by himself in the upcoming season..
Carolina demonstrated this strategy during the NFL draft by further bolstering Young’s support system with additional teammates, alleviating some of his responsibilities.
The Panthers allocated three of their initial four picks to crucial positions, taking South Carolina wide receiver Xavier Legette in the first round, and opting for running back Jonathon Brooks and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders from Texas in the second and fourth rounds, respectively. This move was aimed at fortifying an offense that had ranked last in both scoring and yards.
Additionally, the new Panthers general manager Dan Morgan orchestrated a series of trades, including four within the first two days, to replenish the team’s draft picks..
Carolina approached this year’s draft without the luxury of a first-round pick, a situation stemming from the strategic moves made by former GM Scott Fitterer. These maneuvers, made in the previous year to acquire Young, including obtaining what ultimately became the No. 1 overall selection, left the team without an immediate first-round choice in this year’s draft.
However, under the guidance of new Panthers general manager Dan Morgan, the team navigated these circumstances adeptly. Morgan orchestrated a series of deals during the draft period that allowed Carolina to regain some draft capital. Among these moves was the acquisition of a second-round pick for the 2025 draft, effectively replenishing a valuable asset that had been traded away earlier.
This strategic maneuvering highlights Morgan’s proactive approach to managing the team’s draft resources, ensuring that despite initial limitations, Carolina remains well-positioned for future drafts and roster development.
“I didn’t come in with the mindset of getting that second-round pick back,” he explained. “When the opportunity arose, we saw it as a great chance. We could regain that second-round pick. That was something we felt positive about. … It helps set us up for the future.”