The 2024 NFL Draft is right around the corner. 

It is set for April 25-27, and the Carolina Panthers will have the opportunity to finally surround Bryce Young with a host of weapons. 

The Panthers won't own a first-round draft pick because of the 2023 trade that netted the Panthers the No. 1 overall pick, but that won't stop the franchise from taking a shot at a top talent in the second round. The Panthers will start the 2024 NFL Draft with six selections. 

The Panthers need to draft WR Ladd McConkey in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft

With the Panthers in need of wide receivers, the 2024 NFL Draft presents ample opportunities. Namely, Ladd McConkey who is projected to be around when the Panthers pick at selection No. 33. 

McConkey had an injury-plagued final season at the University of Georgia. He also lacks the prototypical true size of an NFL wide receiver – though he is not small at 6 feet tall. But what he is missing in physical attributes, he makes up for in quick-twitch burst and lateral quickness.  

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Why the Panthers must draft McConkey

The Panthers desperately need wide receiver help. During the 2023 NFL season, Young's top option was an aging Adam Thielen. 

With a new head coach in Dave Canales – who was hired to change the direction of Young's future – giving the Panthers' starting quarterback a reliable option who sound fundamentals is a must. 

In the NFL, McConkey will most likely play in the slot, but he still possesses enough speed to truly stretch NFL defenses. 

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Final word

The Panthers need wide receiver help and using the second-round to do so makes sense. 

If Canales is going to change the direction of the Panthers' future, Young must have the tools to get creative with the offense.  

Dave Canales admits the realistic struggles he will face as Bryce Young’s head coach

For all the good Dave Canales promised the Carolina Panthers in his introductory press conference, there is still the worry of how he will fair as Bryce Young’s head coach.