The Carolina Panthers experienced a rollercoaster 2024 season, but they finished strong and gave fans hope for the future. After Bryce Young was benched and later returned to the field, the team closed out the year with a 2-1 record, including wins over the Falcons and Cardinals. Young has regained his confidence heading into his third year, and with playoff aspirations on the horizon, he’ll need another dynamic young playmaker around him.
Isaiah Bond represents tremendous value at that spot and fits well with a Panthers team that needs to get younger at wide receiver, especially with Adam Thielen turning 35. Bond could potentially form a rising trio with Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker, giving Carolina a promising group of pass-catchers. He also has some familiarity with Young—back in 2022, while at Alabama, Bond hauled in 13 receptions and one touchdown from Young, setting the stage for chemistry at the pro level.
In this scenario, Bond would join Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker, taken in the first round, as Carolina’s first two picks—both solid additions for a team eager to climb back into contention. Bond would also be the fourth Longhorn drafted this year, following Jahdae Barron, Matthew Golden, and Kelvin Banks Jr., all selected in the first round. With the NFL Draft kicking off April 24th in Green Bay, all eyes will be on where these Texas playmakers land.