Carolina Panthers Draft Needs (2019)

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The Southeast makes up our biggest footprint, so we’re gonna try something new here in 2019. Last year, I tackled some Atlanta Falcons coverage (since Atlanta was our 2nd biggest market), and it went over well. So, this year, I’m going to expand that coverage. I’m going to throw some Carolina Panthers stuff into the mix and see what happens.

I don’t have time to go through all 32 teams, and let’s face it – I don’t want to be one of those out-of-touch national guys. So, I’m going to continue to focus on the teams within the SoBros Network’s main footprint.

A season ago, the Panthers were one of the more frustrating teams in the NFL. They started 6-2, and I even called them a dark horse contender to win the Super Bowl, before losing SEVEN STRAIGHT GAMES. They won the meaningless finale against the New Orleans Saints to finish 7-9….distinctly OUT of the playoffs.

But, there’s still a wealth of talent on this team. I think this draft should be about re-establishing the once vaunted defense of the Panthers and maybe adding a piece or two on offense.

Pass Rush

Bruce Irvin is on a one-year deal. Julius Peppers retired. The Panthers need a jolt in the pass rush, plain and simple. Given the talent available in the first round, a guy like Clemson’s Clelin Ferrell or Florida State’s Brian Burns should absolutely be the target. Or, if they elect to stockpile talent at defensive tackle, Clemson’s Christian Wilkins would give the pass rush some juice, too. Regardless of how they address it, they need to.

Safety

What do the Panthers have outside of Eric Reid? Is Da’Norris Searcy going to be your other starting safety? If not for the need at DE, and a lack of safeties with a first round grade, this would be the most obvious need at #16. Instead, I think this will be the 2nd round pick. The Panthers need an impact player.

Offensive line

The Panthers could use a left tackle for the future…someone they can plug in for the next 10 years. But, I’m not sure that guy is there at #16. Do they reach for a Greg Little? I don’t know. This is a position I think they’ll address in the 3rd and/or 4th round. Though they signed Matt Paradis to come in and play center, they could use some help at guard as well.

Cornerback

I don’t know that there’s one worth taking at #16. That’s why I think defensive line/pass rush help will be the goal with that pick. But, this is still a position that could use some competition. Donte Jackson is a bright spot in this secondary, but there’s a definite lack of depth. James Bradberry has become a quality starter, and Rashaan Gaulden looks promising as a slot corner.

But, the bottom line is the Panthers had the 18th ranked pass defense in terms of yardage last season. Only four teams allowed more receiving touchdowns. They could use an upgrade in talent, or at the very least, some added competition in the cornerback group.

Play maker

I’m actually higher on Panthers receivers than I’ve been in a long, long time. D.J. Moore looks like he could develop into a legitimate #1, and Curtis Samuel has a lot of potential. They just signed Chris Hogan, and they still have veteran presence in Torrey Smith and Jarius Wright. But, I still think there’s room to add an explosive playmaker and stockpile talent around Cam Newton. Maybe even a tight end to succeed Greg Olsen.

*The Panthers currently have seven draft picks next week:

  • Round 1: 16th overall
  • Round 2: 47th overall
  • Round 3: 77th overall
  • Round 3: 100th overall (compensatory)
  • Round 4: 115th overall
  • Round 5: 154th overall
  • Round 6: 187th overall

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Tennessee Titans Draft Needs (2019)
The Arizona Cardinals Can’t Really Be Thinking About Taking Kyler Murray At #1, Right?
Who Should Be The Top Overall Pick In This Year’s NFL Draft?

Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley

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