PFF names Panthers’ ideal Day 3 fit for 2023 draft

PFF’s Michael Renner thinks the Panthers should make a Boutte call on the third day of the 2023 NFL draft.

Boutte, Boutte, Boutte may be rocking everywhere for the Carolina Panthers on April 29 . . . or at least it should be according to Pro Football Focus lead draft analyst Michael Renner.

Renner recently named each team’s ideal Day 3 fit for the 2023 NFL draft. The Panthers were matched with LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, who has some intriguing upside. He writes:

The Panthers don’t have much draft capital yet still desperately need to add offensive weapons. Boutte would be a nice flier pick, as he’s still only 20 years old and was considered a potential first-rounder before ankle issues derailed him this past season. He peaked with 735 yards as a true freshman at LSU.

Boutte followed up that freshman year with a sparkling, but shortened sophomore campaign—one in which he reeled in 38 balls for 509 yards and nine touchdowns over six games. 2022, which was a bit less impressive, saw him record 538 yards and a pair of scores on 48 receptions.

The six-foot, 190-pounder plays bigger than his measurables and has enough speed to serve as a vertical threat at the next level. So although the Panthers have done some work at the position with free agents Adam Thielen, DJ Chark and Damiere Byrd, adding another potential playmaker certainly won’t hurt—especially with a late-round flier.

[lawrence-related id=672898,672887,672875]