This past weekend, the Carolina Panthers ' 2024 rookie class took another step forward with some production and impactful plays against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers . And even though it all came in a loss , Week 13 was an encouraging sign for the team and general manager Dan Morgan's first draft group.
Once again, Panthers Wire takes on a weekly rookie stock watch to examine how each member performed as the campaign winds down.
And before we do so, here are the team's draft selections in order.
Round 1, No. 32 overall – Wide receiver Xavier Legette , South Carolina
Round 2, No. 46 overall – Running back Jonathon Brooks , Texas
Round 3, No. 72 overall – Linebacker Trevin Wallace , Kentucky
Round 4, No. 101 overall – Tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders, Texas
Round 5, No. 157 overall – Cornerback Chau Smith-Wade , Washington State
Round 6, No. 200 overall – Defensive tackle Jaden Crumedy , Mississippi State
Round 7, No. 240 overall – Linebacker Michael Barrett , Michigan*
Key undrafted free-agent signings – Wide receiver Jalen Coker , Holy Cross; safety Demani Richardson , Texas A&M
Note: The Panthers traded Barrett to the Seattle Seahawks during the preseason in exchange for cornerback Mike Jackson.
Legette was productive against the Buccaneers, grabbing four passes for 53 yards. He continues to show that his route running has improved from his time in college
However, he chalked up yet another drop—his sixth of the season. While these mistakes may be worrisome now, don't expect this to become a long-term issue.
Unfortunately, we'll be giving Legette another stock-down designation this week.
Stats(12 games): 37 catches, 393 yards, four touchdowns
Brooks was effective on nearly every one of his 15 snaps.
His first touch of the day was an 18-yard catch-and-run out of the backfield that saw him make multiple defenders miss. He finished the day with 41 total yards on nine touches, providing his value as a reliable third-down option in pass protection and as a receiver.
A year removed from a torn ACL that cut his college career short, Brooks looks as creative and agile as ever. He may provide a new element to the Panthers offense that will make his second-round draft slot look even better.
For the second week in a row, we're giving Brooks a stock-up designation as he continues to insert himself into the offensive attack.
Stats(Two games): eight carries, 25 yards; three catches, 23 yards
To his credit, Wallace is a physical tackler—who, when his run fits are consistent, is lightning-quick downhill.
Unfortunately, the Buccaneers had his number. Too often did the former Kentucky Wildcat overrun the flow of the play. He bit hard on several instances that allowed too many yards before contact.
Wallace also missed some tackles in the open field that made way for some chunk plays. There is talent in the 21-year-old linebacker, but he must find a way to stack consistent games as the season begins its final stretch.
We're giving Wallace a stock-down designation following his up-and-down performance against Tampa Bay .
Stats(10 games): 57 tackles, 1.0 sack
Sanders did not play this past weekend against Tampa Bay due to the neck injury he sustained against Kansas City a week ago. So, he will not receive a designation this week.
Head coach Dave Canales told reporters on Wednesday afternoon that the talented fourth-round pick was on track to play this week against Philadelphia .
Stats(11 games): 29 receptions, 302 yards, one touchdown
Smith-Wade became an impact player for the Panthers defense on Sunday, as he recorded his first career interception. After spending time on special teams following an inconsistent stretch of games, he took over the starting nickel job from free-agent signee Dane Jackson.
The former Washington State Cougar played well in coverage and finished tied for the team lead in solo tackles with six. This is an ample opportunity for Smith-Wade to earn himself some stay on next year's defense.
With that said, we're giving him a stock-up designation following a strong showing in Charlotte.
Stats(Seven games): 27 tackles, one interception
Crumedy has remained inactive since being brought back from injured reserve. Because of the lack of playing time, he will not be given a designation.
Stats: N/A
Coker missed his second consecutive game with a quad injury. Canales said that the former Holy Cross standout, who was a full participant at practice on Wednesday, is expected to play this weekend against the Eagles. We will not be giving Coker a designation this week.
Stats(Seven games): 17 receptions, 263 yards, touchdown
Richardson remains on special teams and has provided depth in the safety room. His energy and competitiveness remain a valuable asset to the third facet of the team.
While he may not see a significant amount of run down the stretch, he'll certainly be a developmental piece for the Panthers defense under their defensive coordinator next season, whoever it may be. He gets a stock-up this week.
Stats(eight games): 24 tackles, one pass defended
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers 2024 rookie stock watch entering Week 14
