Dan Morgan hints at Panthers' strategy for 2024 NFL draft

Feb 27, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Carolina Panthers President of Football Operations/General Manager Dan Morgan talks to the media at the 2024 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

What is Dan Morgan hoping to accomplish in his first draft at the helm of the Carolina Panthers’ war room?

The organization’s new president of football operations and general manager took a big step towards that moment on Tuesday, hitting the podium at this year’s scouting combine in Indianapolis. Morgan spoke about his team’s biggest need, which also happens to be the biggest strength of the 2024 draft class—the wide receiver position.

“I think it’s pretty obvious,” he said. “It’s not a secret that we need to add more playmakers in that room. I think there’s multiple positions that have players that we like and embody what we want, which is toughness and that passion for the game.”

Whether it was toughness, passion or a whole lot of something else, that room was missing an awful lot in 2023. With just about all of their wideouts failing to gain separation throughout the season, the offense finished last in total yards (265.3) and points (13.9) per game.

He’d later talk on the team’s most valuable piece of draft capital this spring—the 33rd overall selection.

“I think, no matter how many picks we have, we’re lookin’ to add impact players at every position,” he said. “We’re lookin’ to add depth, we wanna build competition on this roster. But the 33rd pick, that doesn’t mean we can’t do that. So I think all options are on the table at that 33rd pick as well.”

So, what kind of options are we talking here?

Morgan was then asked if his strategy will favor the best available player or the team’s needs.

“I think it will be best player available,” he replied. “I think if all things are equal, then we’ll go with the need.”

Determining who will fit that criteria begins this week.

This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Dan Morgan hints at Panthers’ strategy for 2024 NFL draft