After the NFL Combine, following is an updated list of players the Carolina Panthers could potentially draft…
The Carolina Panthers are finalizing their draft boards after analyzing potential picks over the past week at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. General manager Marty Hurney has inherited a roster on the brink of turnover in regards to veterans nearing retirement who have been significant contributors over the past few seasons.
As the franchise continues its search for a new owner entering 2018, Carolina is entrenched in arguably their most important offseason to date. Hurney and the scouting department need to land some significant picks in this draft who can contribute immediately.
Hurney has a great history with first-round selections, even later in the round, but has yet to turn in a complete draft. While this is the case for many NFL teams, the Panthers need him to produce this year for the future of the franchise.
According to the NFL official selection order, the Panthers own eight draft picks in the 2018 NFL draft.
- First Round – Pick No. 24
- Second Round – Pick No. 55
- Third Round – Pick No. 85 and Pick No. 88
- Fourth Round – None
- Fifth Round – Pick No. 161
- Sixth Round – Pick No. 197
- Seventh Round – Pick No. 234 and Pick No. 242
Round 1: Christian Kirk, WR – Texas A&M
With pick No. 24 in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers select Christian Kirk, wide receiver out of Texas AM.
According to his combine profile, Kirk ran an impressive 4.47 in his 40-yard dash and his height was 5-foot-10. In drafting Kirk, the Panthers would add a speedy weapon for quarterback Cam Newton and diversify the offense as current number one receiver Devin Funchess is 6-foot-4 according to the NFL.
Round 2: Hayden Hurst or Mike Gesicki, TE – USC or PSU
With overall pick No. 55 in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers select either Hayden Hurst or Mike Gesicki, tight ends out of USC or PSU, respectively.
These two tight ends are phenomenal. With ideal height, weight and blazing speed. Either of them could help new offensive coordinator Norv Turner, who loves to deploy two tight end offensive packages. While both flash soft hands, both struggle with blocking. Luckily either one would have the ultimate tight end guru of Greg Olsen from which to learn.
Round 3: Nick Chubb, RB – Georgia
Overall pick No. 85 is University of Georgia running back Nick Chubb. Looking for a running back to compliment Christian McCaffrey, Nick Chubb is the perfect fit. Chubb’s downhill running style will compliment McCaffrey’s shifty runs creating a remodeled version of “Double Trouble”.
With pick No. 88 in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Panthers will select Tre’Quan Smith, the wide receiver out of Central Florida. Vastly underrated, Smith has the speed and size (4.49 in the 40-yard dash, 203 pounds and 6-foot-2) to complete the armory of dangerous weapons surrounding Newton.
His nose for the end zone will also help to boost the Panthers’ offense which struggled in redzone completion.
Round 4: No Picks Available
The Panthers do not currently own a pick in the fourth round due to a trade with trade with the Cleveland Browns for former punter Andy Lee.
Round 5: Marcus Allen, S – Penn State
With the 152nd pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Panthers will select Marcus Allen, the free safety out of Penn State.
After releasing Kurt Coleman to clear salary cap space, Carolina desperately needs help at the free safety position. With only the aging Colin Jones on the depth chart, the quick, ball-hawking Allen will help the defensive secondary get younger.
The fifth round may be a little low to address such a vital position, but Allen has all the talent to fill the Panthers free safety role.
Round 6: Quinton Flowers, QB – South Florida
With the 183rd pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Panthers select Quinton Flowers, quarterback from the University of South Florida.
This pick is completely a developmental selection. With a decent completion record in college, Flowers is an uber-athletic quarterback, but his arm talent desperately needs to be worked on.
This is a complete long-haul project that will most likely involve coaches breaking down Flower’s throwing motion and starting from scratch but he could succeed Newton in the future with proper development.
Round 7: Best Player Available
The Panthers desperately need to get younger on the defensive side of the football. By drafting the best player available, Carolina can add younger talent that will learn behind an aging but talented defensive core.
Any seventh-round pick will be a long-term project, so drafting two defensive players to learn behind defensive greats such as Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, and Julius Peppers would be a perfect way to end out the 2018 NFL Draft.
Overview
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While some will argue that too much draft stock is going into the offense, it is important to recognize that the Panthers are attempting to surround Newton with deadly weapons in his prime.
By adding Kirk, another mismatch tight end, Chubb and Smith to an offense that already features McCaffrey, Funchess, Olsen and the superhuman Newton, Carolina can have the firepower to legitimately go punch for punch with any offense in the NFL.
The defense didn’t get much love during this draft. However, any linebacker core is elite with Kuechly. Also, the Panthers defense features the solid rotating defensive line and rising corners that are getting better with each year.
Next: NFC South Preview - 2018
The 2018 NFL Draft will complete the goal of creating an offensive juggernaut around Newton and his arm as opposed to his legs.