Carolina Panthers GM, Dan Morgan, didn’t mince words during his pre-draft press conference. Asked whether drafting a wide receiver with the No. 19 pick this year, after taking Xavier Legette at 32 in 2024 and Tetairoa McMillan at 8 in 2025 would be unlikely, Morgan delivered a blunt, telling response.
“No. I think, with anything, we’re gonna take the best player. So if the best player we feel is at 19, I wouldn’t hesitate to draft another wideout. I don’t think there’s a rule that says you can’t draft a receiver three years in a row. I’m not gonna box us in and say we’re not gonna draft one.” Morgan said.
Does that guarantee the Panthers go receiver in the first round? No. But, Morgan’s philosophy is crystal clear: best player available, full stop. He isn’t handcuffed by positional history, draft “rules,” or outside noise about “too many receivers.” He’s building an offense around Bryce Young, and if the board presents elite talent at wideout, he’ll pounce.
Look at the recent track record. Legette and McMillan weren’t reaches — they were high-upside picks who addressed a glaring need for playmakers who can win on the perimeter and create after the catch.
McMillan, in particular, flashed star potential as a rookie, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and giving Young a reliable deep threat. The jury is still our on Xavier Legette as he heads into year three.
The Panthers haven’t suddenly “solved” the position; they’ve invested in it because talent at receiver moves the needle in today’s NFL and it's even better when you have said talent on a rookie deal.
Critics may point out that no Panthers team has ever used three straight first-rounders on wideouts, but Morgan isn’t losing sleep over that. He’s focused on the present board, the current quarterback, and winning now.
If the Panthers walk away from Pittsburg with another first-round pass-catcher, it won’t be a shock. It will be Dan Morgan doing exactly what he said he would: taking the best player, no matter the position or the previous year’s headlines.