Three predictions for the Carolina Panthers rookie class, including a new starter up-front but not the one many would expect

However, I do see another rookie opening the season as a starter on the offensive front in center Sam Hecht. Like Freeling, Hecht will be competing with an experienced starter for the position in Luke Fortner. Hecht is a more pro-ready player and capable of being a Day 1 starter once he proves himself in training camp.

2. Chris Brazzell II leads the team in receiving touchdowns

This is slightly bold only because Chris Brazzell II is joining a wide receiver room led by the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year in Tetairoa McMillan, who’s coming off a seven touchdown season in his first year with the Panthers.

However, saying Brazzell records more receiving touchdowns than Xavier Legette is too easy. I honestly think Brazzell has a chance to reach the end zone more times than anyone else on this offense this upcoming season.

Brazzell has a rare mix of size, speed, and ball skills that will make him a reliable target for quarterback Bryce Young while McMillan receives the top attention from the defense. He can win down field with his speed and be a top red zone threat using his height. I’m not saying he’ll have 10+ touchdowns or anything, but I see him leading the team with 7-8.

3. Zakee Wheatley out-snaps Will Lee III in the secondary

The Panthers added two exciting players to the secondary on Day 3 of the draft in cornerback Will Lee III and Zakee Wheatley to bolster the backend of the defense. Carolina was rumored to address both spots much earlier in the draft but waited out really solid value in both players.

At the same time, neither player should be viewed as a surefire starter right now over Nick Scott and Mike Jackson. Over time, Lee’s traits and frame would make him a solid complement to Jaycee Horn on the outside, but I see Wheatley getting more involved as a rookie for this defense.

Wheatley has the versatility to play from any alignment and the physicality to play close to the line of scrimmage. He’s also got great recognition in man and zone coverage. Like Lee, Wheatley has the traits that show he can develop into a starting player for this defense. It might not happen immediately, but he will still get plenty of snaps in sub-packages compared to Lee.