Panthers WR Adam Thielen eager to play a role similar to one he played in Minnesota

With the first round of the 2024 NFL draft slated for Thursday night, the Carolina Panthers currently don't own any selections – though that could change. 

The Panthers do own two second-round picks, which will happen on Friday. Carolina has been linked to several wide receivers, including South Carolina native Xavier Legette. 

With the prospect of adding young pass catchers to the Panthers' receiving group, veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen said he is eager to play a mentorship role – a position he found himself in after the Minnesota Vikings brought in a bevy of wide receivers during his time there. 

“There’s just been a lot of guys that we’ve drafted high and high expectations and I really enjoy that part of the game to really just help them where I need to help them,” Thielen said, via the team’s website. “I think that’s the most important thing in anything you’re doing. It’s building those relationships first and then you can be a mentor. A lot of people want to be the mentor first and it’s like, no, no, just build a relationship, earn that trust, and then be a mentor, and then you can kind of speak life and football into someone when you have that relationship.”

Improving the wide receiver position was a known need for the Panthers heading into the offseason. 

During the 2023 season, Thielen was the only 1,000-yard pass catcher. 

Second on the team was DJ Chark Jr., who amassed 525 yards.

Now, it is a different world for the Panthers' wide receiver room. Carolina traded for Diontae Johnson, who is a former 1,000-yard pass catcher. Already Dave Canales has promised Johnson he will be the No. 1 receiver on nearly every play. 

Then, through the draft, Carolina will undoubtedly add more talent. Good thing Thielen is eager to be a mentor to whoever walks through the Panthers' front doors.