Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks could be heavily involved in the passing game this season. According to head coach Dave Canales, the rookie running back's versatility is "probably the biggest thing that stood out" when the Panthers studied Brooks prior to last month's draft. Although he's recovering from a torn ACL, Brooks was still the first running back off the board, emphasizing Carolina's interest in deploying him as soon as he's healthy. Brooks will compete for touches in a backfield that consists of Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders, and Rashaad Penny, but he might be the best pass-catching option of that group. Canales' glowing comments boost Brooks' fantasy value, and so does the new head coach's experience in Tampa Bay. As Buccaneers offensive coordinator, Canales helped funnel plenty of targets to emerging dual-threat back Rachaad White. White finished last season as the RB4 in PPR leagues, so it's safe to say that Brooks' upside is quite high if he can indeed get involved both on the ground and through the air. Perhaps the biggest obstacle will be the Panthers' offense, which may have to prioritize throwing deeper if they're playing from behind in 2024.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette, who was taken with the final pick in the first round of this year's NFL draft after the Panthers traded up, has drawn comparisons from scouts to Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf, mainly because of his 6-foot-3, 227-pound frame. "Not quite the athlete Metcalf is but he's got some game-breaking ability like that, and he can do a little more with versatility as a runner and pass-catcher," an NFL personnel evaluator said. Second-year quarterback Bryce Young could certainly use some more playmakers like that after a disastrous rookie season. The 23-year-old Legette is probably going to struggle to produce consistently for fantasy managers in single-year leagues in 2024, especially after Carolina also added wideout Diontae Johnson in free agency this offseason.

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee), who was the first RB taken in this year's NFL draft in the second round (46th overall), is on track to be ready to participate in training camp this summer. The 20-year-old tore his ACL in November, but the injury didn't come with additional ligament damage. Brooks has already resumed running. The Texas Longhorn alum racked up 1,139 rushing yards and also had 286 receiving yards in 11 games in his final collegiate season in 2023 before tearing his ACL. He'll enter a crowded backfield in Carolina alongside Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders. The Panthers plan to utilize all three RBs in 2024, but given Sanders' struggles last year, Brooks will have the opportunity to leapfrog him on the RB depth chart eventually if his knee holds up. Still, Brooks will be more of a dynasty/keeper asset in fantasy in 2024.

The Carolina Panthers selected Texas tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders with the 101st overall pick to start the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft on Saturday. This appears to be a pretty good value pick as tight ends begin to come off the board in the fourth round. The 21-year-old Sanders was considered one of this year's best prospects at the position and will now join Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas at the tight end position in Carolina to give second-year quarterback Bryce Young some more help. Tremble and Thomas are more of the blocking variety, so Sanders could have an impact on offense in his rookie year in 2024 after posting the fourth-most receiving yards after the catch in college last year. Still, in an offense that looked awful in 2023, we'd be surprised if Sanders is on the fantasy radar in redraft leagues in 2024.

The Carolina Panthers traded with the Indianapolis Colts to move up to the 46th spot to select Texas Longhorns running back Jonathon Brooks (knee). He was behind Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson on the Texas depth chart for two seasons. However, he broke out in 2023 with 1,139 yards and 10 rushing scores and was named second-team All-Big 12. The 20-year-old tore his ACL late in the season but should be ready for training camp. Brooks joins a crowded running back room with Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders, which could limit his fantasy value early in the season, but he should be a late first-round pick in dynasty rookie drafts.