Panthers take 2024 draft’s ‘best route runner’ in new ESPN mock

The Panthers got paired with a Senior Bowl standout in ESPN’s latest two-round mock draft.

One of the stars from this year’s Senior Bowl could be a fit in Charlotte.

ESPN NFL draft analyst and insider Matt Miller came through on Monday with his second mock draft of the offseason. And being that it was a two-round projection, the Carolina Panthers got in on the fun at No. 33—with University of Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey.

Miller writes:

The Panthers didn’t do a great job surrounding rookie quarterback Bryce Young with talent at wide receiver in 2023 and must make major additions this offseason. McConkey is the best route runner in the draft with excellent stop-start quickness and acceleration out of his cuts. He’s also sure-handed enough to be the Panthers’ No. 1 receiving option.

McConkey is a two-time national champion out of Athens. The six-foot, 185-pounder, who played in just nine games this past season, recorded 30 receptions for 478 yards and two scores for the Bulldogs in 2023.

Unfortunately for Bryce Young, he and his Alabama Crimson Tide were mowed down en route of the first of McConkey’s two rings. But if he’s any help to him in the pros, there probably won’t be any problems between the two SEC standouts.

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