The Carolina Panthers need to study up: Since being taken in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf has proven to be one of the biggest impact rookies in the 2019 draft class. Impressing with a tantalizing blend of size, speed and athleticism, Metcalf has the chance to be a star in the future.

A big part of Russell Wilson's MVP-caliber season is the emergence of Metcalf as a No. 2 option beside Tyler Lockett in the passing game. In 13 games, the former Ole Miss star leads all rookies with 783 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

Next up on Seattle's schedule, the Seahawks travel to Carolina to face off against the Panthers. And although the Panthers are on a five-game losing streak, Seattle will need to do more than just show up if they want to leave with a win.

Last Sunday, the Seahawks had their worst offensive performance of the season scoring just 12 points in a double digit loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Going into the Carolina game, the Seahawks have the opportunity to improve to 11-3 on the season and bounce back offensively. With the No. 3 ranked rushing offense in the NFL, it's clear that Pete Carroll and the Seahawks prefer to win on the ground — and they cant still do that against the Panthers — but if they want to head into the rest of the season with confidence, Metcalf will have to continue to play at a high level.

While I've been very complimentary of the 6-foot-4 wideout so far, the rookie is far from perfect. Most notably, Metcalf needs to catch more of the balls thrown his way. Metcalf's catch rating of 60.2 percent ranks him ninth on the team among players with 10 or more targets.

Thankfully, Metcalf has seen to be playing better in that regard lately catching 12 of his 13 targets in the team's last two games — a catch rating of 92.3 percent.

With DK Metcalf already being thrust into a role where he's the No. 1 or No. 2 option on a playoff team, the rookie has had to adjust on the fly and grow up quick.

Metcalf having a big game is especially important since after the Seahawks loss and a San Francisco 49ers win las week, Seattle has lost possession of first place in the NFC West. Still, at 10-3, the Seahawks are in great shape barring a total meltdown to end the season.

The Carolina game presents a perfect opportunity for players like DK Metcalf to have strong games. A team coming off five straight loss with a middle of the road defense? It's something Metcalf and the Seahawks need to take advantage of against the Panthers.