The Carolina Panthers face a critical juncture with tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders, drafted in the fourth round last year. Despite showing immense potential, Sanders' rookie season was marred by a neck injury and underwhelming stats—just 33 receptions for 342 yards and one touchdown. With offseason adjustments looming, the Panthers are reportedly considering bolstering their tight end position, eyeing Penn State's Tyler Warren as a potential early draft pick. If selected, Warren would likely be expected to start, which could significantly impact Sanders' target opportunities moving forward.

The 2024 NFL season is set to conclude with the Super Bowl, and all 32 teams will soon embark on a mission to refine their rosters for the 2025 season. The Carolina Panthers, aiming to improve, are focusing on enhancing their draft strategy under general manager Dan Morgan. Morgan’s first draft class has shown mixed results, particularly with first-round pick Xavier Legette struggling with catching mechanics and second-rounder Jonathon Brooks facing serious injuries. Although linebacker Trevin Wallace, tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders, and cornerback Chau Smith-Wade have shown promise, none appear guaranteed to be long-term starters. Morgan is currently evaluating 2025 prospects at the East-West Shrine Bowl, emphasizing the importance of passion and authenticity in players.

With a top-10 pick, the Panthers are at the pivotal eighth position, where they aim to find a game-changer to fill critical needs. Historically, this position has yielded impactful players like Christian McCaffrey and Jaycee Horn, putting the pressure on Morgan to make a significant selection that could alter the franchise’s trajectory.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are evaluating potential quarterback prospects at the East-West Shrine Bowl, notably missing out on Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, a likely top-5 pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Although Sanders is attending to meet teams, he will not participate in practices or the game itself. His stock surged after meetings with teams holding the top three draft positions, including the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants. With Deshaun Watson's uncertain future due to an injury, the Browns are exploring quarterback options, intensifying the competition in the AFC North.

Sanders has made a significant impact in his college career, demonstrating impressive passing stats with 7,364 yards and 64 touchdowns over two seasons. The Steelers face a challenging future in their division, now featuring high-caliber quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and potentially Sanders, elevating the stakes in their quest for playoff contention.

Entering the 2025 season, several notable rookies from the previous year are set to make significant impacts in the NFL, particularly those who had lackluster debut campaigns. Keon Coleman of the Buffalo Bills, despite not living up to expectations, showcased his potential with an impressive average of 19.2 yards per catch, indicating he could evolve into a key target alongside quarterback Josh Allen. Similarly, Trey Benson of the Arizona Cardinals was overshadowed by veteran James Conner, but with Conner's heavy workload, Benson's breakout could be imminent as he adapts to a more prominent role. Lastly, Ja'Tavion Sanders of the Carolina Panthers is poised for growth, having displayed flashes of excellence despite a challenging first season under quarterback Bryce Young.

The Carolina Panthers face a pivotal decision regarding their rookie quarterback, Bryce Young, as they prepare for their season finale against the Atlanta Falcons. After spending five weeks on the bench, Young has emerged as a standout performer in the NFL, particularly since Week 9, raising questions about his playing status for the upcoming game. Although the Panthers have little to gain from the match, they have the opportunity to spoil the Falcons' playoff hopes.

One argument for resting Young is his potential risk of injury. At a smaller stature, he has shown resilience against hits, but the Panthers’ offensive line is currently compromised, with several key players on the injury report. The team allowed an alarming 68.6% pressure rate last week, which could put Young in jeopardy against a formidable Falcons pass rush. Given the injuries affecting the running game and offensive line, sitting Young may seem prudent to protect the franchise's future.

Conversely, the Panthers lack offensive options without Young on the field. His performance last week demonstrated that he is crucial for moving the ball, as he accounted for a significant portion of the team’s passing yards. The alternative quarterbacks, Andy Dalton and Jack Plummer, are less capable of leading the offense effectively. Moreover, Young's continued development is essential, not just for his chemistry with the current roster but also for building rapport with rookie pass-catchers. Therefore, despite the risks, the Panthers should opt to play Young in the season finale to ensure he gains valuable experience and maintains the team’s offensive competitiveness.