Which potential draft targets for the Carolina Panthers showed up and showed out in Indianapolis this week?
Here are eight players, all of which may be of interest to Dan Morgan and Dave Canales, who really improved their stock at the 2024 combine:
WR Adonai Mitchell (Texas)
Mitchell had quite a bit going for him, even before stepping foot into Lucas Oil Stadium this week. But he’s stepping out with a whole lot more.
The long 6-foot-2, 205-pounder put his speed and smoothness on display by lighting up his 40-yard dash at a blazing 4.34 seconds (third-fastest amongst all wide receivers) and reeling in one of the prettiest catches of the weekend during the over-the-shoulder drill.
.@TexasFootball WR Adonai Mitchell with a 4.35u ‼️
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/sxTNNON7yH— NFL (@NFL) March 2, 2024
Adonai Mitchell tracking a ball with ease (via @NashTalksTexas):pic.twitter.com/jkQrShDB2f
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) March 2, 2024
Before the combine, the Panthers seemed to be in Mitchell’s range with the 33rd overall pick. That, however, might’ve changed.
Draft projection: Late first round to early second round
WR Xavier Worthy (Texas)
Mitchell may have solidified his status as a first-rounder, but it was his teammate who was the star of this year’s event.
Worthy was more than worthy of the occasion—as he set a new combine record for the fastest 40-yard dash. After finishing his first run at an impressive 4.25 seconds, the 5-foot-11 pass catcher followed up with a 4.21 time—just inching out John Ross’ 4.22 from 2017.
OFFICIAL: 4.21
XAVIER WORTHY HOLDS THE NEW 40-YARD DASH RECORD pic.twitter.com/IrXf3WyemB
— NFL (@NFL) March 2, 2024
Draft projection: Late first round to mid second round
WR Ladd McConkey (Georgia)
The two-time national champion has been advertised as one of the class’ most refined runners, and he didn’t disappoint.
McConkey registered his 40-yard dash at 4.39 seconds, which was tied for the sixth-fastest at the position. He went on to run the gauntlet without a hitch, as expected.
.@GeorgiaFootball WR Ladd McConkey looking so smooth in the gauntlet.
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/1ehj5MwTxI— NFL (@NFL) March 2, 2024
Draft projection: Late first round to early second round
iOL Cooper Beebe (Kansas State)
The Panthers are reportedly on the lookout for some interior line help this offseason. So . . . wassup, Beebe?
Beebe recorded the fastest 3-cone drill (7.44 seconds), the fifth-fastest 40-yard dash (5.03 seconds) and sixth-fastest 10-yard split (1.75 seconds) amongst all guards. He also fared well in on-field drills, showing off his smooth movement.
As a result, his athletic profile—per Kent Lee Platte’s Relative Athletic Score—looks awfully good:
Cooper Beebe is a OG prospect in the 2024 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.71 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 42 out of 1434 OG from 1987 to 2024.
Splits projectedhttps://t.co/ixJJ1i7sZt pic.twitter.com/e2Z1rE2Pmv
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 3, 2024
Draft projection: Second to third round
iOL Tanor Bortolini (Wisconsin)
This hog molly also had those watches working quickly.
Bortolini racked up the fastest 3-cone drill (7.16 seconds), fastest 20-yard shuttle (4.28 seconds), second-fastest 40-yard dash (4.94 seconds) and second-fastest 10-yard split (1.69 seconds) amongst all linemen. That’s even more impressive considering he stands at 6-foot-4 and 303 pounds.
Tanor Bortolini is a OG prospect in the 2024 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.85 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 23 out of 1421 OG from 1987 to 2024.
Splits projectedhttps://t.co/PcsS2Kzfn4 pic.twitter.com/ZlFp3IEPwZ
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 3, 2024
Draft projection: Second to third round
DL Braden Fiske (Florida State)
Fiske, who told reporters that he met with the Panthers, could fit rather well as a 3-4 end on Ejiro Evero’s unit.
The athletic Seminole led all defensive linemen in the vertical jump (33.5 inches), the broad jump (9-foot-9), and the 40-yard dash (4.78). He proceeded to shine on the field, where he ripped through his drills.
Braden Fiske crushing the day.
Power + burst on the bags pic.twitter.com/4LQKPype4Z
— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) February 29, 2024
Draft projection: Second round
LB Payton Wilson (North Carolina State)
One of Luke Kuechly’s biggest fans did his hero proud. In fact, he even outdid the future Hall of Famer in the 40-yard dash.
Wilson clocked his dash at 4.43 seconds, the fastest amongst all linebackers this year. Kuechly, who was known to be ridiculously quick, recorded his at 4.58.
Payton Wilson 4.44 unofficial 40. 1.51 unofficial 10 wow pic.twitter.com/MuSi1lRxb5
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) March 1, 2024
Draft projection: Second round
CB Max Melton (Rutgers)
Carolina should be in the market for some depth at the cornerback position, and Melton could be there some time on Day 2.
The 5-foot-11, 187-pounder hit his 40-yard dash in a fine 4.39 seconds to go along with a 40.5-inch vertical jump (fourth-highest amongst all corners) and a 11-foot-4 broad jump (highest).
Max Melton is a CB prospect in the 2024 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.65 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 79 out of 2222 CB from 1987 to 2024.
Splits Projectedhttps://t.co/fj1y7BiChA pic.twitter.com/ujzYFK7IVk
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 1, 2024
Draft projection: Third round
