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Panthers NFL Draft: Offense or Defense?

By Brandon Scott

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: (L-R) Thomas Davis of the Carolina Panthers looks on as Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: (L-R) Thomas Davis of the Carolina Panthers looks on as Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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Will the Carolina Panthers select a prospect on offense or defense in round one…

The Carolina Panthers have a variety of needs at different positions which should be addressed over the next few days during the NFL Draft. General manager Marty Hurney and coach Ron Rivera are in charge of restructuring a team undergoing a significant overhaul process from top to bottom.

Carolina has enjoyed a lot of success recently, beginning in 2013. Three divisional championships, four playoff appearances, including one in a Super Bowl and 51 regular season wins have set the bar high for the immediate future.

Amid an ownership transition and multiple changes to the coaching staff, including new coordinators in all three phases (offense, defense, special teams) Rivera has been the centerpiece holding it all together.

As the NFL Draft begins, whether the team elects to select an offensive or defensive player remains up in the air. Currently, the Panthers have immediate needs in both the defensive backfield and along the offensive line. Another receiver is also not out of the question, even with the offseason addition of Torrey Smith.

According to The Charlotte Observer, there are six primary candidates that could be the newest member of the Carolina Panthers before the night ends. Interestingly, there are three on offense and three on defense – each at a critical position for the Panthers.

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These six individuals include:

Justin Reid, S – Stanford
Josh Jackson, CB – Iowa
Jaire Alexander, CB – Louisville
Frank Ragnow, G/C – Arkansas
Calvin Ridley, WR – Alabama
D.J. Moore, WR – Maryland

All bring various positives and negatives, depending on your personal preference, but the fact there are essentially four or five positions worthy of a first-round pick is not good.

The diversity among positions that Carolina is reportedly considering only highlights the many areas in need on the current Panthers roster. Both sides of the football are in jeopardy and while Hurney has multiple opportunities to make some additions over the next few days, rarely do late round picks make a significant impact in year one.

Next: NFL Draft - 5 Safety Targets

Ultimately, whoever is chosen when the Panthers are on the clock in round one, needs to be an immediate starter who can contribute on either offense or defense.

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