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Panthers: 2018 Senior Bowl players to watch

By Brandon Scott

MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 26: General view of Ladd-Peebles Stadium during the Senior Bowl on January 26, 2013 in Mobile, Alabama. The South won the game 21-16. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 26: General view of Ladd-Peebles Stadium during the Senior Bowl on January 26, 2013 in Mobile, Alabama. The South won the game 21-16. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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William-Mary v Virginia
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – SEPTEMBER 02: Kurt Benkert #6 of the Virginia Cavaliers throws a pass during the second half of a game against the William & Mary Tribe at Scott Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

Kurt Benkert, QB – Virginia

Height: 6-foot-4

Weight: 214 pounds

Age: 22

Projected 40-yard Dash: 4.79

Projected Round: 4-6

At some point in the near future, the Panthers need to draft a developmental quarterback who can backup Cam Newton. With new offensive coordinator Norv Turner taking over this season, now would be a great time in order to do so, providing the rookie a fresh start with a coach who has a proven track record.

Virginia quarterback Kurt Benkert isn’t projected to be an immediate starter at the NFL level and currently holds a late draft projection, but could be just the right fit for Carolina. He has above average arm strength and was the first player in school history to throw for 3,000 yards.

"A general manager told WalterFootball.com that Benkert was a player who intrigued them and that they were going to be studying him some more. Benkert completed 59 percent of his passes in 2017 for 3,207 yards with 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He accepted an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl. Benkert has enough size and above-average arm strength. While he isn’t a great athlete, he has mobility and can extend plays with his feet. Benkert has very impressive deep ball accuracy with the ability to make some phenomenal throws off platform. Benkert will work through his progressions, but he needs to get faster at that and improve his field vision for the NFL. Benkert needs to improve on his feet, but a good NFL coach could fix that. Obviously, working under center and transitioning to a pro system will be a work in progress. The senior is a player to study and consider in the months to come."

Analysis provided by Walter Football.com

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