Picking the best round 6 draft target for the Carolina Panthers before 2024 NFL free agency

With the final of six selections in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers could opt to improve their stable of running backs.  With the NFL Draft set for April 25-27, the Panthers will have ample opportunities to improve a roster in desperate need of help.  The sixth round will still have some talented names, […]

Ian Kayanja
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Nov 18, 2023; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs running back Emani Bailey (9) runs for a touchdown against the Baylor Bears during the second half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Image via Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

With the final of six selections in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers could opt to improve their stable of running backs. 

With the NFL Draft set for April 25-27, the Panthers will have ample opportunities to improve a roster in desperate need of help. 

The sixth round will still have some talented names, so let's take a look at the running back the Panthers should look to add late in the selection process. 

The Panthers need to draft Emani Bailey in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft

Running back is a useful position when not overpaid. The Panthers paid a premium for Miles Sanders during the 2023 offseason. Shedding his contract is a priority moving forward. 

That leaves an opening at backup running back. And that is where Emani Bailey could slide in as a sixth-round pick. 

Bailey impressed at the senior bowl. CBS Sports' Josh Edwards was uniquely impressed with his burst and quickness. 

"Bailey had the first five touches of the game for the American Team," Edwards wrote. "He had some rather large gaps to run through, but he showed burst and an ability to break defenders down in space. His presence was also felt in the passing game where he was given additional opportunities to make plays in space."

Bailey is a player who can create opportunities when operating in the open field. That is something the Panthers were sorely lacking during the 2023 season. 

Additionally, with him being a sixth-round pick, the Panthers wouldn't be paying top dollar for a player who won't be worth that contract in three years. 

Why should the Panthers draft Emani Bailey?

Bailey has been a consistent contributor throughout his college career. He also doesn't have that many miles on him as a running back. 

He had a single 1,000-yard season at TCU.

He is also a good pass-catcher, which would give quarterback Bryce Young an option to throw to coming out of the backfield.

Final word

No team can have too much affordable running back help. 

With the Panthers looking to move off Miles Sanders, Bailey could be a realistic option for a team looking to improve its offensive weapons. 

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