Is Diontae Johnson, Xavier Legette, Or Adam Thielen The WR1 For The Panthers?

May 17, 2024

Who will be the WR1 of the Carolina Panthers in 2024? Mike Fanelli analyzes Diontae Johnson, Xavier Legette, and Adam Thielen and picks which one will be the WR1.

The Carolina Panthers had one of the worst wide receiver units in the NFL last season. Bryce Young struggled in his rookie year because of a poor offensive line and a lack of weapons.

Unfortunately, the Panthers had to give up DJ Moore in the trade to acquire the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL to select Young. While they spent an early second-round pick on Jonathon Mingo, he struggled as a rookie. Furthermore, former second-round pick Terrace Marshall Jr. and veteran DJ Chark Jr. did very little to help Young.

Thankfully, Carolina traded for Diontae Johnson in March. They also traded up into the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft to select Xavier Legette. The two new additions will join Adam Thielen as the starting three wide receivers for the Panthers this upcoming season. However, which win is the No. 1 wide receiver?

Is Diontae Johnson, Xavier Legette, Or Adam Thielen The WR1 For The Panthers?

The Panthers traded for Johnson earlier this offseason after spending the first five years of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The veteran is an outstanding route runner and separator – two things Young didn’t have at the wide receiver position as a rookie. Unfortunately, Johnson has struggled since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement. However, many expect him to have a bounce-back season in Carolina.

Trade: the Steelers are sending WR Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, per sources. A new weapon for Bryce Young.

Johnson has a $3 million roster bonus due Friday that the Panthers now will pay. pic.twitter.com/dt2nF83mIL

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2024

Many were surprised to see Legette come off the board during the first round of the NFL Draft. The former South Carolina star had only one season with over 200 receiving yards in college, totaling 1,255 in 2023. However, he is an athletic freak who can turn into a big-play weapon for Young.

Thielen was a top-10 wide receiver for part of the 2023 season. Unfortunately, he wore down as the year progressed. The veteran was the WR3 in half-point PPR scoring from Week 2 through Week 6. However, Theilen was the WR43 from Week 8 through the end of the season. Thankfully, the veteran will no longer have to be the go-to guy again in 2024.

Fantasy players should prioritize Johnson over Legette and Thielen during their fantasy football drafts. The veteran is the best route runner of the trio and should see the highest target share. While Thielen had some good moments last year, his age is a concern. Meanwhile, Legette likely needs a year to develop before becoming a go-to No. 1 wide receiver.

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