See how the Carolina Panthers rookie prospects performed at the NFL Combine last week…
Coaches, scouts, general managers and other team personnel descended on Indianapolis last week to test NFL hopefuls using a variety of assessments. The Carolina Panthers were among them as they continue preparations for the upcoming NFL Draft with plenty of areas on the roster to address.
The recent releases of running back Jonathan Stewart and safety Kurt Coleman have left two positions extremely thin on top of an already messy roster situation. Expectations are that the team will either keep offensive guard Andrew Norwell or defensive tackle Star Lotulelei but not both.
Regardless of who leaves, their replacement must be able to contribute immediately. The unknown future of defensive end Julius Peppers and already annouced retirements of linebacker Thomas Davis and center Ryan Kalil are also positions which need to be given consideration during this draft.
Additionally, the team may part ways with backup quarterback Derek Anderson, opening another critical vacancy on the roster. General manager Marty Hurney has been selected as the man responsible for finding the solutions to these questions and for this reason a variety of prospects were watched closely during the NFL Combine testing.
Following are the results from a few who could be on the Panthers radar this spring.
Mike McGlinchey, OT
Bench Press – 24 reps, Vertical Jump – 28.5 inches, Broad Jump – 105 inches
The 6-foot-8 tackle from Notre Dame didn’t overly impress during his NFL Combine but teams remain interested due to his versatility and size. McGlinchey could be a long-term solution for the blindside protection of franchise quarterback Cam Newton into the future.
Currently projected to favor the right side, the Panthers may pass and look for more of an interior lineman depending on what Hurney elects to do with Norwell. While lineman depth is always an issue, there are plenty of other areas on the current roster that need to be addressed prior to using a high pick on someone a few years away from production.
Kurt Benkert, QB
40-yard – 4.95, Bench Press – 16 reps, Vertical Jump – 31 inches, Broad Jump – 112 inches, 3-Cone – 7.15, 20-Shuttle – 4.33
The Virginia quarterback didn’t impress with his 40-yard time but was the only prospect to complete the bench press from his position. He also displayed good athleticism when compared to the group by posting numbers close to the top in each of his other drill exercises.
Benkert would obviously be a work in progress if drafted by Carolina but with new offensive coordinator Norv Turner taking over, the timing could not be better. Even if not Benkert, Hurney should consider adding a quarterback at some point this spring.
Dalton Schultz, TE
40-yard – 4.75, Bench Press – 15 reps, Vertical Jump – 32 inches, Broad Jump – 120 inches, 3-Cone – 7.00, 20-Shuttle – 4.40
Veteran tight end Greg Olsen is nearing retirement and after not being significantly injured since his rookie campaign, missed a majority of the season last year. While Ed Dickson exploded onto the scene, Carolina needs a replacement who can fill the starting role into the future.
Schultz may not have increased his stock with his Combine performance but his game film and ability to contribute on the field will be a welcome addition for the team that selects him in April. His evaluation could benefit the Panthers if he falls to a later round.
Justin Reid, S
40-yard – 4.40, Bench Press – 16 reps, Vertical Jump – 36.5 inches, Broad Jump – 128 inches, 3-Cone – 6.65, 20-Shuttle – 4.15
After acquiring both a coach and player from Stanford University last season, a few of the prospects who were there with both may be on the Panthers radar this spring. Justin Reid is one of those players especially with the recent release of Coleman from the Carolina secondary.
Reid impressed at the NFL Combine improving his draft potential considerably. He was near the fastest 40-yard time for his position group in addition to displaying explosive capabilities through his jump testing and cone work.
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Roquan Smith, LB
40-yard – 4.51
The Georgia linebacker blistered the 40-yard dash, finishing second among those who participated from his position group. However, the expected first-round pick didn’t participate in any of the other testable features during the day.
His drill work and game tape both speak volumes about his future implications in the league which would likely require Carolina moving up in the first-round to take him. With so many areas on the roster in need of addressing, giving away picks from this year doesn’t seem like a sound alternative.
However, with the retirement plans already in the works for Davis following this season, one season with an understudy could have future benefits. Not to mention the Georgia connection already formed between them.
Hurney and the Panthers have their work cut out for them in addressing the roster over the next two months. As free agency begins and the draft approaches, expect to see a variety of moves made from the Carolina front office.