With the 39th pick, the Carolina Panthers Take ?

Ok,, the Panthers picked the WR they wanted.  

Who or what do we take at 39 ?   Center ?  Edge Rusher ? Line Backer ?  Safety ? Running Back ? another WR ? 

I'm guessing Linebacker or Defensive back

Best players remaining ranked by The Athletic:



(Note: The number listed next to each player is their final overall rank on my [Dan Brugler]  top 300.)



23. Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon (6-3, 328)
Powers-Johnson’s inexperience is reflected in his technique, but he offers a fantastic combination of size, athleticism and toughness, with the skill set that translates to both center and guard. His game reminds me of Ryan Kelly, who won the Rimington Award at Alabama before becoming a first-round pick in 2016.

27. Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa (6-0, 202)
DeJean is one of the best tackling defensive backs in the class and shows playmaking skills in coverage, because of his athletic instincts and competitive makeup. Along with an immediate special-teams role (as a returner and gunner), his NFL starter-quality skill set fits interchangeably at cornerback, safety or nickel.

28. Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois (6-1, 304)
Newton’s undersized, compact frame will be a turnoff for some teams. But he is tough to block one-on-one, because of his gap quickness, natural power and nose for the ball. He projects as a dependable starting three-technique in the NFL.

30. Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama (5-11, 196)
McKinstry doesn’t play with high-level speed or aggression, but he is a long, smooth athlete with the football IQ that should translate quickly to an NFL field. His game reminds me of James Bradberry’s, and he will compete for starting reps as a rookie.



31. Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia (5-11, 186)
McConkey’s size and vulnerability to injuries aren’t ideal, but he is a sudden, skilled route runner and uses synchronized shake to tie defensive backs in knots. He is a quarterback-friendly target with the inside-outside versatility to be a quality No. 2 option for an NFL offense.

32. Marshawn Kneeland, Edge, Western Michigan (6-3, 267)
Kneeland is still taking classes in the art of the pass rush, but he is charged up into contact and displays twitch throughout his frame, which allows him to defeat blockers in different ways. He projects as a starting base end whose best football is yet to come.

33. Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas (6-2, 205)
Mitchell needs to become a more detail-focused receiver to fully unlock his talent, but he has the body length, loose athleticism and catch-point skills to be a chain-moving weapon. He projects as a rangy, outside-the-numbers target with the lean, limber body type reminiscent of the late Chris Henry.

34. Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia (6-2, 315)
Frazier might not boast elite athleticism or length, but he is good enough in those areas and will win over NFL teams with his core strength, football IQ, competitive toughness and understanding of leverage. He projects as a quality NFL starting center the moment he is drafted.

36. Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan (6-2, 299)
Jenkins might never be a high-production interior player, but he is light on his feet and heavy with his hands with the “do my job” mentality that NFL defensive coordinators appreciate. He projects as an NFL starter as a one-gapping tackle on the interior or two-gapping strongside defensive end.

37. Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State (6-3, 213)
Coleman must develop more nuance in his route running, but his big-man twitch, physicality and ball-winning adjustment skills allow him to be a difference maker. With continued refinement, he has the talent to be an NFL starter (similar in ways to Courtland Sutton).

38. Cooper Beebe, G, Kansas State (6-3, 322)
Beebe doesn’t have ideal arm length that most teams desire, but he is stout, controlled and plays with power at contact. He will fit both gap and zone schemes in the NFL and projects as a high-floor starting guard.

39. Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State (6-1, 215)
Hicks is a rangy, intimidating presence, both downhill and on the back end, and he offers the multi-dimensional traits to develop into an NFL starter. He projects as a scheme-friendly safety who should also contribute immediately on special teams.

40. Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU (6-4, 326)
Suamataia is still very young and lacks refinement in several areas, but his blend of size, mobility and core power are the foundation of a scheme-diverse NFL starter. He will require a patient coaching staff who can ease his transition to the pro level.


41. Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan (5-10, 185)
Wilson is a speedy slot with the hands and competitive makeup to pester defenses and consistently move the sticks. He has the talent to win a starting role for an NFL offense.


42. Junior Colson, LB, Michigan (6-2, 238)
Colson checks a lot of boxes for the next level with his physicality downhill, athleticism in space and iron-man toughness that he brings to work every day. He projects as an NFL starting MIKE early in his career and a more complete version of the Detroit Lions’ Derrick Barnes.

43. Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan (5-9, 182)
Sainristil has obvious size limitations that will remove him from some team’s draft boards, but other teams will be more than happy to bet on his outstanding toughness, instincts and ball skills. He will compete for immediate starting reps as a rookie nickel.

46. Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M (6-2, 230)
Cooper has some undisciplined tendencies and will run himself out of plays, but he is a fast-flowing linebacker who can run and cover. He has the explosive traits to be a regular on special teams as a rookie and grow into a three-down linebacker role in the NFL.

47. Christian Haynes, G, UConn (6-2, 317)
Haynes doesn’t always play up to his testing numbers, but his play strength, football IQ and finishing mentality make him equipped for battle against NFL fronts. He has the floor of a high-level backup but should compete for starting reps at guard during his rookie season (similar to Kevin Dotson).

48. Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas (6-0, 216)
Brooks is a springy, balanced athlete with a feel for lane development and the elusive traits to create his own yardage, both at the line of scrimmage and on the second level. Stylistically, he reminds me of Kenyan Drake, although Brooks has much better vision and big-play potential (assuming he returns to his pre-injury form).

49. Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri (5-11, 183)
Rakestraw doesn’t have the desired long speed or build for his position, and his injury history is a concern, but he plays aggressive, sticky coverage with NFL-quality movement skills and confidence. He has NFL starting man-cover talent, if he stays healthy.

51. Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson (6-4, 294)
Orhorhoro’s undeveloped pass-rush instincts and finishing skills cloud his next-level projection, but he displays intriguing movement skills and force at contact to continue getting better and better. He has NFL starting upside with the scheme-versatility to play multiple positions, both inside and outside.

53. Javon Bullard, S, Georgia (5-10, 198)
Overall, Bullard doesn’t have ideal size or length, but he is ultra-instinctive and makes his presence felt at all three levels of the field. His skill set fits best as a hybrid nickel defender who can handle box duties, disguise his intentions and drop into space.

54. Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky (5-10, 207)
Corley needs to be more controlled in his breaks and tempo to consistently separate as a route runner, but he is dynamic with the ball in his hands. He has the speed, physicality and contact balance ideal for a slot role that uses motions, jet sweeps and quick screens. His NFL comparison is somewhere between Deebo Samuel and Amari Rodgers — which is a wide spectrum.

55. T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State (6-0, 194)
Tampa gets a little sticky with his footwork at the top of routes, but he doesn’t lose much separation and plays with the size, range and ball skills to be disruptive. He has the tools and potential to be a starting perimeter cornerback in various schemes.

56. Dominick Puni, G, Kansas (6-5, 313)
Puni will get himself in trouble bending at the waist or letting his pads rise, but he plays big, powerful and sends a harsh message with his hands while staying controlled through contact. He can play tackle, if needed, but projects best as an NFL starting guard or center.

57. Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas (6-3, 245)
Sanders needs to become “more available” in his routes and improve his reliability as a blocker, but he is a smooth operator with dynamic talent before, during and after the catch. He projects as an F tight end (similar to Gerald Everett) with starting upside in the NFL.

58. Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon (6-1, 176)
Franklin’s polish and catch consistency must improve, but he can be a big-play weapon (before and after the catch), because of his linear twitch and gliding acceleration. He projects as a field-stretching Z receiver, similar to DJ Chark.

59. Patrick Paul, OT, Houston (6-7, 331)
Paul has the size and length to keep defenders occupied, but his rhythm breaks down quickly, and opponents will find success until he improves his rudimentary recovery technique and hand usage. Similar in ways to Chukwuma Okorafor, he has the tools to develop into a functional NFL starter, but he might require a redshirt year.

60. Mike Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State (6-2, 299)
Hall was more of a flash player than consistent force, but his quick-twitch movements and natural energy are the ingredients of a disruptive gap penetrator. If he stays healthy, he will be an immediate rotation player and eventual starting three-technique tackle in a four-man front.

61. Andru Phillips, CB, Kentucky (5-10, 190)
Phillips falls short in a few categories, which leads to in-game volatility. He is battled-tested, though, with the athletic instincts and feisty toughness that will translate to any level of football. He won’t be a fit for every team but offers inside-outside versatility with immediate special-teams value, similar to Roger McCreary.


62. Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia (5-11, 187)
Lassiter doesn’t have elite physical traits at a position where size and speed are at a premium, but his play recognition and competitiveness are both off the charts. Although he is viewed as a nickel-only by several teams, he has starting talent that is best suited for a zone-match scheme.

63. Max Melton, CB, Rutgers (5-11, 187)
Melton brings explosive speed and attitude to his coverage, which will interest press-man teams. His experience inside and outside (and on special teams) will help him see the field right away in the NFL.

64. Maason Smith, DT, LSU (6-5, 306)
Smith is a traits-based prospect with his size, movement skills and pop at contact, but his inexperience is evident on tape with his inconsistent technique, block recognition and rush plan. NFL teams covet 6-foot-5, 300-pound athletes on the defensive line and those types are in short supply in this draft class, which will only boost Smith’s draft projection.

65. Adisa Isaac, Edge, Penn State (6-4, 247)
Isaac needs to mature his approach to be more than a flash player, but with his length, energy and athletic tools, he can become an impactful edge presence for a defensive coordinator who continues to unlock his potential. Though he projects best standing up in a 3-4, he has something to offer any NFL scheme as a role player with starting upside (similar in ways to the Philadelphia Eagles’ Josh Sweat).

66. Brandon Coleman, OT, TCU (6-4, 313)
Coleman needs to improve his technical consistency, but his ease of movement, spatial awareness and length are the building blocks that offensive line coaches covet. He has the traits to stay outside at tackle while also offering position flexibility at guard.

67. Chris Braswell, Edge, Alabama (6-3, 251)
Braswell is slightly undersized and still a work in progress in several areas, but his first-step quickness and ability to convert speed to power are solid starting points for a developmental pass rusher. He has down-the-road starting potential and reminds me of the Cincinnati Bengals’ Joseph Ossai when he was coming out of Texas.

68. Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota (6-1, 205)
Nubin has conservative tendencies in coverage, but he is a four-down player with a coveted skill set, because of his split-field range, playmaking instincts and toughness versus the run. He is ideally suited for a quarters-based, Cover-2 scheme in the NFL and will be a core special teamer.

69. Roger Rosengarten, OT, Washington (6-5, 308)
Rosengarten’s pass protection won’t win any beauty pageants, but his feet stay active, and he trusts his handwork and eyes to execute his blocks. He projects as an immediate swing tackle for an offense with the potential to be a dependable starter if he continues to develop (stylistically similar to Garett Bolles).

70. Cole Bishop, S, Utah (6-2, 206)
Bishop needs to put more impact plays on tape by setting traps for the quarterback in coverage, but he plays with top-down explosiveness and the football IQ to make plays at all three levels of the field. He has NFL starter-caliber talent and is ideally suited for a robber role.

71. Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State (6-3, 292)
Fiske doesn’t have a deep arsenal of counters if he doesn’t win early, but he already has a professional mindset, and his twitchy urgency and steady play strength will translate well to the pro game. He projects as a rotational three-technique with versatility to move around an aggressive front.

72. Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina (6-0, 211)
Rattler has a methodical play style and needs to be more urgent in his movements/reads, but he has the arm talent, self-confidence and work habits that give him a fighting chance to work his way up an NFL depth chart. He offers upside at the position, but the interview process will be crucial to his draft grades.

73. Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame (6-5, 310)
Fisher is a big, athletic finesse blocker who flashes power but falls off too many blocks and needs to introduce more control to his play style before he is ready for NFL competition. He is a developmental prospect reminiscent of Nicholas Petit-Frere (2022 third-round pick).

74. Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington (6-1, 203)
Polk must continue developing as a route runner, but he is natural athlete addressing the football, with three-level instincts and pro-level toughness. A potential NFL starter, his game is reminiscent of Josh Palmer’s when he was coming out of Tennessee.

75. Isaiah Adams, G, Illinois (6-4, 315)
Adams’ play style sets him up to be out-leveraged, but his natural size, strength and mobility, along with his competitive makeup, are the ingredients teams desire in a mid-round developmental lineman. He projects as a backup guard with the potential to be more with continued coaching.

77. Blake Corum, RB, Michigan (5-7, 205)
Corum is smaller than ideal for his run style, but he makes quick, urgent decisions with the low center of gravity and burst to bounce runs or maneuver through congestion. His determination to maximize each carry will translate well to an NFL offense, although his effectiveness on third downs will determine his upside.


78. Austin Booker, Edge, Kansas (6-4, 253)
Booker is lacking in body mass and overall experience (just 505 career college snaps), but he is an ascending player with the ability to maximize his athletic traits and body length/force with proper biomechanics. With his tools and instincts, he projects as a rotational player in Year 1 with the potential to become an impact starter.

79. Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami (5-11, 202)
Kinchens doesn’t have top-tier athletic traits, but he has a well-balanced skill set with the playmaking awareness and ball skills to compete for a starting role in the NFL. He projects best as a split-field safety with range in the post who can drive top down in two-deep shells.

80. Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State (6-6, 259)
Johnson has inconsistent college tape and production, but he has A-plus measurements and smooth athletic tools that could allow him to continue developing and become a better pro than college player. Although he is a work in progress, he is a worthy long-term investment for an NFL team.

81. Trey Benson, RB, Florida State (6-0, 216)
Benson’s vision and run instincts tend to be spotty, but he runs hard off tackle with the burst and balance to stay afloat through contact. Cut in the Melvin Gordon mold, he projects best as part of an NFL committee, in which he’d have any-down and big-play potential.

82. Bralen Trice, Edge, Washington (6-3, 245)
Trice doesn’t have exceptional edge speed or length and needs to be more consistent in the run game, but his athletic urgency and violent play style will help translate his college disruption to the pros. He projects as a scheme-diverse rotational NFL end.

83. Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee (5-10, 210)
Wright needs to develop a better feel for using tempo to maximize what is there, but his run strength, balance and ability to cut/weave at top speed make him dangerous with the ball in his hands. He projects as a scheme-versatile back (stylistically similar to Jerome Ford) who can handle work on all three downs.

84. Malik Mustapha, S, Wake Forest (5-10, 206)
Mustapha doesn’t have the tape of an instinctive ballhawk, but he is a passionate competitor with outstanding range versus the run and disciplined movements in coverage. With a skill set similar to Jordan Whitehead, he should shine on special-teams coverages in the NFL and will push for defensive snaps early in his career.

85. DJ James, CB, Auburn (5-11, 175)
James won’t be a fit for every scheme, because of his undersized build, but his quick feet will help him maintain phase in coverage. If he can handle big slots and improve his consistency as a tackler, he will compete for a starting nickel role in the NFL.

86. Trevin Wallace, LB, Kentucky (6-1, 237)
Wallace has an attractive collection of traits for today’s NFL, however, the parts are better than the whole at this point and pro coaching will need to get him across the finish line. With more seasoning, he has the talent to compete for starting reps.

87. Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Yale (6-5, 323)
Amegadjie is a raw prospect who needs technical and strength work before he sees live NFL reps, but his physical ingredients and competitive drive are the foundational elements that pro coaches want to develop. He projects as a backup left tackle as a rookie who has all the tools to gradually develop into an NFL starter.


88. Payton Wilson, LB, NC State (6-3, 233)
Wilson’s medicals will be a key factor in his final grade, but he is a rangy and instinctive player who impacts the game in different ways, because of his effort and toughness. His four-down potential will separate him from most linebacker prospects.

89. Jared Wiley, TE, TCU (6-6, 249)
Wiley is more of a post-up target than a tight end who will consistently create space for himself, but he is a good-sized athlete with blocking toughness and ball skills. He projects as a rotational Y tight end who can gradually work his way to the top spot on the depth chart.

90. Malik Washington, WR, Virginia (5-8, 191)
Washington is undersized and needs to continue refining his route steps, but his explosive movements, rugged toughness and catchpoint skills will make him a factor in the slot for an NFL offense. He also has the skill set to immediately contribute in the return game.

91. MarShawn Lloyd, RB, USC (5-8, 220)
Lloyd doesn’t have the profile of a high-volume back, but he can spark an NFL offense with his mix of patience, burst and promise as a pass catcher. His tape gives me flashbacks of a thicker version of Duke Johnson when he was coming out of Miami.

92. Brandon Dorlus, DT, Oregon (6-3, 283)
Dorlus needs to find better consistency on a snap-to-snap basis, but he has the natural power and agility to be a versatile disruptor in an NFL defensive line rotation. He projects best as a base end (in even or odd fronts) who can also reduce inside on subpackages.

93. Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina (6-1, 193)
Walker is a vertical/stretch receiver who requires a linear route tree, but he is a big-play threat with a promising catch radius and the speed to climb on top of coverage. He must develop better consistency in his routes and hands to be more than a complementary outside option.

94. Jonah Elliss, Edge, Utah (6-2, 248)
Elliss is an inconsistent edge setter in the run game, but he is threatening with his upfield burst/motor and skilled with his hands in the pass rush. It is encouraging to think of what he can develop into with a full bag of counters. His pro ceiling is an Alex Highsmith-style edge defender, although a high-end subpackage rusher is his more realistic NFL projection.

95. Mekhi Wingo, DT, LSU (6-0, 284)
Wingo has a short-armed, squatty body type with an inconsistent anchor, but his first-step quickness and shock in his hands often gives him early advantages. He has NFL starting potential as a three-technique in a four-man front, projecting as a not-as-explosive version of Ed Oliver.

96. Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, S, Texas Tech (5-10, 197)
Taylor-Demerson is undersized, and his aggressive trigger backfires at times, but his explosive post/split-field range jumps off the screen and allows him to make plays on the ball in coverage and run support. His speed and developing instincts give him starting potential as a free safety or nickel cornerback, but the rough edges in his game might never smooth out, which would keep him as a backup and special teamer.

97. Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin (6-1, 235)
Allen isn’t overly creative and doesn’t run with as much nastiness as his size suggests, but he is well built with the vision, feet and overall feel to maximize the run design. He has the talent and third-down potential to be a productive NFL tandem back, similar to Tyler Allgeier.

98. Audric Estime, RB, Notre Dame (5-11, 222)
Estime has the build and run power of a downhill grinder but the vision and cut acceleration of a smaller back, giving him RB1 potential for an NFL team (best in a gap scheme). His body type, run talent and promise on passing downs are reminiscent of former Seattle Seahawks’ RB Chris Carson.

99. Christian Mahogany, G, Boston College (6-3, 314)
Mahogany needs to play with more control, especially in space, to survive versus NFL defenders, but he plays like a bouncer outside of a club, looking to bash heads with power and forceful hands. He projects as a guard-versatile NFL starter, ideally suited for a downhill run team.

https://theathletic.com/5434044/2024/04/...e-players/

I hope we draft a kicker at 39, people in here would lose their minds. ?

Here is how the 1st round shook out after all picks were in.

6 QBs taken
7 WRs taken
8 OTs taken
5 EDGE taken
3 CBs taken 
1 IOL taken
1 TE taken
1 DL taken

Right now it looks like the best value might be in the CBs where there are four (4) guys that are valued at or above #39. These 'picks' are from a consensus Big Board made up of over 200 published boards.

#19 Cooper DeJean (CB)
#24 Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB)
#37 Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB)
#39 Mike Sainristil (CB)

Also available are:

#26 Jer'Zhan Newton (Johnny) (DL)
#28 Adonai Mitchell  (WR)
#30 Jackson Powers-Johnson (IOL)
#33 Ladd McConkey (WR)
#38 Keon Coleman (WR)
#40 Troy Franklin (WR)

You can see from the list of who was taken in the 1st round that all of the LBs, Ss, RBs and ST guys are still available. As are all but one of the TEs,  DLs, and IOLs.  So there is a lot to pick from...

DeJean would be awesome. ???

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Who knows, maybe a long snapper?

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Actually I would give this trade an A-… nice job. Will definitely be pulling against the LAR next year.

I would have said we have pick of the litter at cb, c, lb. But we trade out for a 2nd rounder next year and a fifth I believe. Would have loved DeJean, Koolaid, or JPJ.

Geez a very good move to a total head scratcher. Love the pick, best RB in the draft but I just feel he would have been there at 52 and we would still have two assets. Who knows.

Got the consensus top rb in the draft in the 40’s. Anybody hate that?

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Not @ u first.

SECOND TIME, I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS PICK!

I'm thinking we have a rehab case on our hands. He's gonna ride the bench for awhile. It's a sure bet. I love this guy, but a RB with a bad knee is like a racehorse with a broken leg. Put him out to pasture - at least for awhile.

He'll be a great addition IF he recovers his speed, and power, and agility.  Fingers crossed.