The Carolina Panthers had a solid first-round, selecting wide receiver D.J. Moore…
The 2018 NFL Draft has been both exciting and unpredictable, with the Carolina Panthers selecting wide receiver D.J. Moore at No. 24 overall. Moore brings legit athleticism and speed to the new-look offensive system that coordinator Norv Turner will install. Panthers fans have a lot to be excited about.
As for the division, Tampa Bay traded down but still got the player they wanted in defensive tackle, Vita Vea. Next, in an exciting move, the Saints moved up several spots to take defensive end Marcus Davenport. Finally, Atlanta added to their strength on offense by adding the crisp route running receiver Calvin Ridley.
Unfortunately, the NFC South just got a whole lot better.
With so much success around the Panthers division, it is of paramount importance that the Carolina draft to win their division throughout the remainder of the draft. Below are some potential positions the Panthers could target moving forward.
Note: Positions and players are in alphabetical order, not necessarily the order in which the Panthers should prioritize them.
Cornerback
There is a lack of cornerback depth throughout the NFC South. The Panthers believe that they have found a No. 1 corner in James Bradberry and through free agent signings. However, Daryl Worley was traded and investing players to slow down the aerial attacks of the Saints, Falcons and Buccaneers will be critical if the Panthers want to again win their division.
Following are a few players that the Panthers may select:
- Josh Jackson (Iowa)
- Donte Jackson (LSU)
- Carlton Davis (Auburn)
- Isaiah Oliver (Colorado)
All of these players would be immediate starters for the Panthers and their depleted cornerback room. Cornerback depth will be especially necessary against the Falcons aerial offense.
UPDATE: The Panthers selected Donte Jackson (LSU) in Round 2 of the NFL Draft.
Safety
The sudden departure of veteran safety and captain, Kurt Coleman, to free up cap space opened yet another hole in the Panthers secondary. A speedy safety will be critical to the pass defense and for containing the explosive runs from running backs of the NFC South.
Here are some safeties that can both cover and tackle:
- Ronnie Harrison (Alabama)
- Justin Ried (Stanford)
- Jessie Bates (Wake Forest)
While the safety position was bolstered during free agency with the signing of Da’Norris Searcy, adding another younger prospect will be key in eventually also replacing Mike Adams.
UPDATE: The Panthers selected Rashaan Gaulden (Tennessee) during Round 3 of the NFL Draft.
Offensive Line
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Early in the NFL Draft, both Tampa Bay and New Orleans bolstered their defensive lines. Compounding the issue for Carolina is the departure of Pro Bowl guard, Andrew Norwell, to the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency.
With a weakened offensive line and opposing defensive lines strengthening, the Panthers must spend some future picks up front.
Some players the Panthers may soon target include:
- Will Hernandez (TX-El Paso)
- Conor Williams (Texas)
- Orlando Brown (Oklahoma)
Two of these players, Hernandez and Williams, have the potential to compete for the vacated guard spot left by Norwell. Brown tested poorly at the NFL Combine but still has the potential to be useful protecting Cam Newton.
Next: NFL Draft - Round 1 Evaluation
UPDATE: All three have landed elsewhere in the NFL, but offensive line is likely to be targeted on Day 3