How much better can Carolina Panthers’ offense be with Diontae Johnson, Xaiver Legette?

As the Carolina Panthers check off the days until training camp, The Observer is examining the roster one positional depth chart at a time.

After studying the quarterback and running back groups last week, our position series continues with a look at the new-look wide receiver unit.

The big question: How much can the passing game improve with Diontae Johnson, Xavier Legette?

The Panthers had the worst passing attack in the NFL last season. Carolina managed to muster just 4.68 yards per passing play in 2023 and finished with an ugly average of 161.2 passing yards per game.

While rookie quarterback Bryce Young struggled with consistency, his surrounding cast — outside of slot receiver Adam Thielen — did little to help those growing pains. So, with a new offensive coaching staff in place — led by new head coach Dave Canales — the new-look front office decided to upgrade Young’s weapons at wide receiver this offseason.

The team traded for veteran playmaker Diontae Johnson during free agency. They also traded up into the first round in April to select South Carolina’s Xavier Legette on Day 1 of the NFL Draft. With those two additions, GM Dan Morgan is hopeful that Young will have more dependable options in the passing game to along with Thielen, who is returning after a 100-catch, 1,000-yard campaign.

Johnson, who was acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers in March, went to a Pro Bowl in 2021. However, since that all-star appearance, the 2019 third-round pick has seen his production drop off dramatically.

Johnson, who is entering the final year of his contract, is looking to bounce back in a new setting with a new quarterback. The duo looked to have developed legitimate chemistry during the offseason program, and the hope — at least in the short team — is that Johnson can become Young’s No. 1 target in the offense.

Legette, this year’s top pick, was slowed by a hamstring injury in the spring. The 6-foot-1, 221-pound wideout is expected to be a key cog in the passing game as a rookie, so he needs to stay healthy throughout the summer to forge an on-field bond with Young. The rookie is a big-bodied target at the position, and he could become a major red-zone asset for the offense.

Legette and Johnson complement each other quite well. The rookie is a jump-ball threat, while the veteran is known for his route-running efficiency. Both receiver can also blaze down the field with the best of them, which, in theory, should help Young push the ball for big gains. That added speed should also help Thielen break free more often in the slot.

The trio of Johnson, Legette and Thielen has the potential to thrive in a downfield attack. If Young can take a huge Year 2 leap in development, the passing game could surprise some onlookers this fall.

The Panthers’ WR depth chart

▪ The projected starters: Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen and Xavier Legette — This trio, on paper, complements each other very well. Canales wants to be able to move his wide receivers around, and Johnson and Legette are capable of playing all three positions. Thielen has also said that he has been working on his versatility as well this offseason. Given their versatility, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see all three take turns as the primary target for Young based on matchups.

▪ The projected backups: Jonathan Mingo and Ihmir Smith-Marsette — Mingo, last year’s second-round pick, has been challenged by the additions of Johnson and Legette. After a forgettable rookie season, Mingo will try to assert himself with a new offensive staff. Smith-Marsette — a talented punt returner and gadget weapon — will attempt to follow suit with a clean slate of his own on offense and special teams.

▪ The competition: Terrace Marshall Jr., David Moore, Michael Strachan, Cam Sims, Jalen Coker, Sam Pinckney and Daewood Davis — Marshall, a 2021 second-round pick, is fighting an uphill battle to stick around for a fourth season in Carolina. While Marshall was praised by Canales during the offseason program, his roster outlook will probably be determined by how he competes throughout camp. As a deep reserve wideout, Marshall will need to do something he’s never done before in the NFL: stand out on special teams.

Moore has a long history with Canales and offensive coordinator Brad Idzik. Coker and Pinckney are intriguing undrafted rookies, while Strachan, Sims and Davis are trying to stick to the roster after bouncing around a bit in their respective young careers.

Player to watch in camp: Jonathan Mingo

While there are certainly more notable names to monitor at wide receiver this summer, Mingo could be the key to establishing improved depth at the position.

Mingo appears to have been pushed down the depth chart due to the respective arrivals of Johnson and Legette, and the second-year wideout needs to prove himself to a new staff that has no history with or loyalty to him. After starting in 14 games as a rookie, Mingo has just 43 catches and 418 scoreless yards (9.7 YPC) to show for it. So, in camp, he needs to compete for playing time, instead of just trying to hold off the competition.

If Mingo can show versatility and improved route-running skills, he could quickly gain the trust of Canales and company. And more importantly, those improvements could enhance his chemistry with Young.

While Mingo might be passed over by Legette in the starting lineup, the former Ole Miss standout can still be a meaningful piece of the offense as the first receiver off the bench. And if Mingo plays up to his draft pedigree, he could find himself back in the starting lineup conversation in short order, especially given Johnson’s contract status and Thielen’s age.