It's Christmas weekend for NFL executives with the two day NFL Draft. The Panthers have the 13th overall pick in the first round, but like every other team, have multiple needs. Among the areas that need to be shored up are offensive tackle, running back and all along the defensive line. Defensive line has traditionally been a strong suit for Carolina, but it's in the midst of an overhaul. Kris Jenkins is a Jet, Kindall Morehead is a Falcon, Mike Rucker has retired, and Julius Peppers is coming off his least productive season after three straight Pro Bowls.
The draft is top-heavy with offensive tackles and the Panthers will have their choice of several talented prospects if they go that route. Among the candidates around the 13th pick could be Jeff Otah (Pittsburgh), Ryan Clady (Boise State), Chris Williams (Vanderbilt), and Gosder Cherilus (Boston College). That would create a possible line dance of Jordan Gross returning to left tackle, while Travelle Wharton could be moved to guard. Second year player, Ryan Kalil takes over the starting center position.
This year, with DeShaun Foster having been let go (San Francisco), the Panthers have an opening in the backfield to rotate with DeAngelo Williams, free agent addition LaBrandon Toefield (Jacksonville), and Nick Goings (if healthy). If they reach for a running back with their first pick, Rashard Mendenhall (Illinois) and Jonathan Stewart (Oregon) might be available. Both are 5' 10" in the 225-235 pound range that could provide the type of runner that doesn't go down on the first hit.
Panthers General Manager, Marty Hurney, says the positions with the most depth available are wide receiver and cornerback. They've already addressed receiver through free agency with D.J. Hackett (Seattle) and Muhsin Muhammad (Chicago). Last year, the Panthers hoped to find safety help in the draft, and when it did not materialize, got caught short-handed when Mike Minter retired and Nate Salley was injured. However, they rebounded with their pick-up of former Bears strong safety Chris Harris during training camp. Harris has already become a defensive cornerstone with a contract extension. They've also added Terrence Holt (Arizona).
Linebacker and cornerback are two of the Panthers strongest positions. Trading down for Jon Beason was another great move by the front office, and he allowed the team to feel good about releasing Dan Morgan (New Orleans). Free agent Landon Johnson (Cincinnati) should be an instant starter. Ken Lucas, Chris Gamble and Richard Marshall give the Panthers a talented collection of cornerbacks. In addition, the Panthers say they are comfortable with what they have at quarterback, which is good with a weak class projected this year. Jake Delhomme's elbow recovery is apparently going well, while they like the potential of Matt Moore and Brett Basanez. Interestingly, all three players sat through their respective NFL drafts without getting their names called.
After missing out on the playoffs the past two years, the Panthers need to hit and not miss on the prospects list. They have smartly plugged some holes through free agency without locking themselves into overly expensive contracts. If they hit the target during this weekend's draft, they could reclaim the NFC South which projects as one of the weakest divisions in the NFL.
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