The Carolina Panthers have been linked to a receptions-leading wide receiver to help Bryce Young.
The Carolina Panthers could definitely stand to add another wide receiver this offseason, as it is looking more and more like Xavier Legette is a bust.
We already know that Tetairoa McMillan is a budding star, and Jalen Coker (an exclusive rights free agent who will almost certainly be back in 2026) has been a revelation for the Panthers.
But clearly, quarterback Bryce Young could use another weapon.
While Carolina probably won't be selecting a wide receiver in the first round of the NFL Draft (not with so many other needs), it stands to reason that the Panthers could circle back around and select one on Day 2, and that is exactly what Jacob Infante of Pro Football Network expects them to do.
In his most recent seven-round mock draft, Infante has Carolina nabbing Georgia Bulldogs receiver Zachariah Branch with the 51st overall pick.
"Through two seasons at USC before his transfer to Georgia, Zachariah Branch has been one of the most dynamic receivers in football," Infante wrote. "He’s undersized but thrives in space with elite athleticism and ball-carrier vision that shines when he returns kicks and punts."
Georgia Bulldogs receiver Zachariah Branch. Credit: Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.Branch led the SEC with 81 receptions this season, adding 811 yards and six touchdowns.
The 21-year-old began his collegiate career at USC in 2023 and logged 31 catches for 320 yards and a couple of touchdowns in Year 1. Then, the following season, Branch caught 47 passes for 503 yards while reaching the end zone once.
At just 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, Branch is a bit of a risky selection, but the Panthers could certainly use a slot receiver, and Branch would definitely fit that bill.
This would also allow Carolina to keep Coker on the outside permanently, which is where the 6-foot-3 pass-catcher is probably at his best.
It should be noted that the Panthers have a fair amount of cap space heading into free agency, so they may be able to sign an established wide receiver. But Carolina may prefer to spend that money elsewhere.
All things considered, it would be very surprising if the Panthers didn't add another playmaker this offseason, unless they still have faith in Legette.