Where the 2019 Carolina Panthers NFL Draft picks stand

What lies ahead for the newest members of the Carolina Panthers?

Following the 2019 NFL Draft, the newly minted Carolina Panthers have a bit of work to do ahead of each at their respective positions. Almost identical to last year’s draft, perhaps only two players are on a path to become day one starters, with an additional three or four more in position to become solid depth – behind current starters at their respective positions.

And for the Panthers, it’s all hands on deck for a hopefully improved version. For the Panthers top two draft picks, high hopes and fairly open positions lie waiting for the young hopefuls. And also for Brian Burns and Greg Little, the beginnings of long NFL career lies ahead. Their own success of failures the only thing possibly keeping them from prolonged success.

For Burns, the 16th overall selection in the draft, a giant hole left by retiring future Hall of Fame member, Julius Peppers, looks to be the beginning for the 21-year old. But as daunting a task it may seem, Burns looks to be an almost perfect choice from this draft to continue pressuring quarterbacks for a Carolina team sorely lacking pass-rushing from its starters.

Little, the team’s second round choice, also has a fairly decent chance at becoming a starter for a unit that also looks to improve its odds. Coming into the draft, the Panthers had a hole on the offensive line, but has a solid core to build from. With the addition of Matt Paradis, the re-signing of a healthy Daryl Williams, in addition to returning players Taylor Moton and Trai Turner, the team projects to have a solid group of men to protect quarterback Cam Newton. The lone hole across the front line obviously points toward the left guard position and Greg Van Roten.