Analysis: Will Terrace Marshall lead the Panthers in receiving touchdowns?

This past weekend, the Carolina Panthers selected former LSU wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. in the second round, with 59th overall pick.

Carolina’s wide receiver room is now looking pretty solid for new starting quarterback Sam Darnold.

Panthers projected top-five wide receivers on the roster should look something like this:

Robby Anderson, DJ Moore, Terrace Marshall Jr, David Moore, and Shi Smith.

Both Anderson and DJ Moore will most likely lead the group in targets, barring injuries or unforeseen circumstances.

Last season, Robby Anderson had just three receiving touchdowns, with DJ Moore leading the team with four touchdown catches. Curtis Samuel left in free agency but he totaled just three touchdown receptions last season.

So, with the additions of wide receivers Terrace Marshall and Shi Smith, who will lead the Carolina Panthers in receiving touchdowns this upcoming season?

During LSU’s historic 2019 season, Terrace Marshall Jr caught 13 touchdowns from Joe Burrow. He accomplished that while playing opposite Ja’Marr Chase, who was just drafted fifth overall by the Cincinnati Bengals.

In 19 games over his final two seasons at LSU, Marshall hauled in 23 total touchdowns. He was a red-zone weapon for LSU, and could replicate that success in the NFL.

Marshall has the size, length, and speed that no other receiver on the Panthers roster has. If him and Sam Darnold can build a connection early on, I fully expect Darnold to look Marshall’s way in the red zone, and quite often.

Sam Darnold should certainly throw more touchdowns than Teddy Bridgewater’s 15 last season. How much more? I’d guess somewhere in the neighborhood of 22 to 26, if all goes according to plan.

If those numbers are on point, then look out for Marshall to lead the Panthers in touchdown receptions his rookie year.