Carolina Panthers stars will announce NFL Draft picks

CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 12: Charles Johnson #95 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after a play against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 12, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 12: Charles Johnson #95 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after a play against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 12, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

The Carolina Panthers will have two representatives at the draft.

As draft day gets closer, we finally have the two names of the individuals who will announce the 2019 draft picks for the Carolina Panthers. Current Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey and retired defensive end Charles Johnson will be the individuals who will announce the new Panthers as they are selected on the second day of the draft.

Johnson was a defensive study for the Panther as he recorded 226 tackles, 67.5 sacks and 25 passes defensed during a productive 11-year career. In particular, his 2010 season was of note as he tallied 11.5 sacks. He would go on to be one of the most consistent Carolina Panthers defensive players and is second in franchise history in terms of sacks only to Julius Peppers. He also forced 19 fumbles, an incredible number especially when you consider some of the offensive talent that was a part of the National Football League back when Johnson played.

More from Cat Crave

McCaffrey needs no introduction. He has been a staple of the Carolina Panthers offense and was one of the most dependable players on the entire team last season. He really showed his skill set as a dual-threat running back and he looks to carry that same role with him into the 2019 campaign. With 107 total receptions, that set the Carolina Panthers single-season franchise record. If he can build off that performance in 2019, he could easily be in the conversation as one of the top three running backs in the National Football League right now.

Johnson was drafted in the third round with the 83rd overall pick back in 2007, while McCaffrey was considered to be the crown jewel of the 2008 draft class as the Panthers took him with the eighth overall pick.  Some other notable picks in that draft class were Curtis Samuel and Taylor Moton. All three players figure to play an important role for the Carolina Panthers next season.

This draft in general should be very exciting. The Carolina Panthers have a lot of needs and a lot of positions to fill. I am most excited to see what they do with the 16th pick. For one, they have a need at defensive end, and there are many defensive ends in this draft that could fill the void left by Peppers. Especially in today’s National Football League where passing is king, youth and speed are essential to winning ball games, especially from a defensive standpoint. A missed sack or no pressure on the quarterback could lead to a game-winning touchdown. Johnson knows that perhaps better than anyone else. Along with Peppers, he was a true playmaker. Now, he may be announcing playmakers of the future.

McCaffrey in his own right has been a playmaker for the organization. He is a definite catalyst, and for those who play fantasy football, he is a first-round pick up. I can’t wait to watch him on the field again in the fall.

Schedule