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Panthers: NFL Combine Prospects to Watch

By Brandon Scott

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 06: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers watches warm ups before his team plays in the game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Coliseum on November 6, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 06: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers watches warm ups before his team plays in the game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Coliseum on November 6, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Carolina Panthers v Los Angeles Rams
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 06: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers watches warm ups before his team plays in the game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Coliseum on November 6, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

The Carolina Panthers begin their evaluations of prospects at the NFL Combine this week…

Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney, coach Ron Rivera and other members of the staff, including scouts will descend upon Indianapolis this week to evaluate the next crop of talent in the league.

In search of the next star athlete who can contribute to the Panthers and help them reach the ultimate goal of winning a Lombardi Trophy, Hurney and Rivera have their work cut out for them. Adding pieces to a veteran reliant roster, Carolina needs to locate some players who can contribute immediately at the NFL level and help to fill vacancies in all areas of the roster that are soon to open.

Offensive lineman Ryan Kalil and linebacker Thomas Davis have already announced their plans for retirement following next season. The Panthers may also be slim on the defensive line with veteran Julius Peppers still not committed and the release of Charles Johnson.

In addition, letting safety Kurt Coleman walk leaves only two safeties with any significant experience on the defensive backfield – Mike Adams and Colin Jones. Adams will be 37 next season and among a list of Panthers nearing retirement.

Greg Olsen, Jonathan Stewart, Derek Anderson and Mario Addison all play key roles on the team but will be 30-plus years old when the season commences. Hurney has a lot to consider but with eight picks in the NFL Draft should be able to land some promising talent.

Following are a few prospects to keep an eye on as the NFL Combine commences this week.

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