Carolina Panthers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Although LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. stands in the shadow of teammate Malik Nabers for the upcoming NFL draft, the 6-foot-2 7/8, 209-pounder is viewed as a possible top-20 pick in April. "He's about as naturally talented as you can find at the position," NFL Network's Bucky Brooks said. "Big, fast, physical. Runs great routes. Natural catcher. Does a really good job of watching the ball into his hands. He can shine." The biggest question for Thomas is whether he can step outside the shadow of Nabors and be an alpha dog for an NFL team. Because he didn't work out at LSU's pro day on Wednesday, Thomas may not have answered that question completely, but it doesn't mean that a receiver-needy team won't be willing to take him in the first round in 2024.

University of Texas running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) suffered a torn ACL on November 11 in a win over Texas Christian University. Brooks rushed for 1,139 yards and ten touchdowns and caught 22 passes for 212 yards and one score in his lone season as a starter before suffering the knee injury 11 games into the year. However, he still opted to leave Texas early and declare for the 2024 NFL Draft. Dr. Dan Cooper projects that he should be cleared by training camp, a great sign for his draft stock and potential rookie season. He won't be able to participate in any pre-draft testing, but that hasn't stopped him from being the No. 1 running back on several draft analysts' big boards. There's no clear leader for the top running back like in past years with Bijan Robinson and Breece Hall, so draft capital will be as important as ever for fantasy football purposes.

The Carolina Panthers went 2-15 last year and fired both their head coach and general manager. They have all kinds of needs this offseason, but The Athletic's Joe Person thinks that their biggest priority should be getting young quarterback Bryce Young some help in the passing game. DJ Chark Jr. ranked in the bottom 10 in the league in average separation and catch percentage, while Jonathan Mingo had the fifth-worst catch percentage (50.6) in his rookie campaign. Adam Thielen had a 1,000-yard season, but the 33-year-old can no longer stretch defenses at his age. It all caused Young to stand in the pocket waiting for someone to get open before eventually getting enveloped by the pass rush. Young has plenty to work on himself, but helping him take the next step in Year 2 will start with surrounding him with better playmakers.

The Arizona Cardinals re-signed wide receiver Dan Chisena to a Reserve/Futures contract for the 2024 season on Tuesday. Chisena spent time on the practice squad and the active 53-man roster for the Cardinals this past season before being released last month. The 26-year-old began last season with the Baltimore Ravens but played in just four games total with the Cardinals and wasn't involved on offense at all. In fact, Chisena has only played on special teams in his four years in the NFL with the Ravens, Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings and will most likely return to the practice squad for the Cardinals in 2024.

The Baltimore Ravens activated wide receiver Dan Chisena and linebacker Josh Ross from their practice squad to the active 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's AFC Championship game against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs. The Ravens signed Chisena to their practice squad on Jan. 10 to give them some extra receiver depth with some of their wideouts being banged up. The 26-year-old played 16 snaps on special teams in the Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans last weekend and will likely serve in a similar role against the Chiefs if he's active. Chisena has not been targeted at all in four NFL seasons with the Ravens, Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals.