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NFL Draft: Panthers target secondary

By Brandon Scott

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 27: Joshua Jackson #15 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass from the Boston College Eagles during the second half of the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 27, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Iowa Hawkeyes won 27-20. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 27: Joshua Jackson #15 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass from the Boston College Eagles during the second half of the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 27, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Iowa Hawkeyes won 27-20. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /
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Prospect meetings reveal Carolina Panthers targeting defensive secondary early in the NFL Draft…

Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney is no stranger to the NFL Draft, having previously served in the same role for over a decade with the franchise. During his tenure Hurney developed a propensity to make high quality first-round selections, although a number of those occurred inside the top-10 picks.

This year, Carolina will be on the clock at No. 24 barring any type of trade and there are a number of directions the Panthers could take. While Hurney has done a nice job of filling holes in the roster left by offseason departures like safety Kurt Coleman and defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, he has yet to address others.

No running back has been added although veteran Jonathan Stewart no longer remains with the team and starting guard Andrew Norwell will need to be replaced as well. The Panthers have met with a number of candidates for these positions but none seem to be likely first-round selections during the NFL Draft.

Instead, the Panthers have focused on the defensive secondary during the prospect evaluation process targeting both the top-two cornerbacks and top safeties in preparation for Thursday. Both positions need an impact player who can contribute immediately.

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Daryl Worley was engaged in a position battle last year and eventually was dealt to Philadelphia in an attempt to bolster the offense by adding wide receiver Torrey Smith. This move leaves an opening opposite James Bradberry and Hurney cannot afford to ignore it during the draft.

For this reason, the Panthers have shown significant interest in each of the following defensive secondary players:

Joshua Jackson (Iowa), CB

Jaire Alexander (Louisville), CB

Ronnie Harrison (Alabama), SS

Justin Reid (Stanford), FS

According to CBS Sports, both Jackson and Alexander are the No. 1 and No. 2 cornerbacks in the draft this year with Harrison and Reid each ranking second at their respective positions. All but Jackson also used an official 30 visit to perform a private workout in front of the Panthers scouts and coaches.

Next: NFL Draft - Defense Analysis

Ultimately, what prospects remains available when Carolina is set to make their selection will determine who becomes the newest Carolina Panthers team member but each of these four have been receiving serious consideration.

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