Carolina Panthers: Top 10 NFL Draft picks of all-time
By John Ellis
The Carolina Panthers have hit some home runs in the NFL Draft during their history, but which players were the biggest hit for the franchise?
Formally established on October 26, 1993, when the NFL owners approved the new franchise, the Carolina Panthers were off and running.
Playing their first game in 1995 and enjoying a playoff berth in only their second season which included eliminating the defending Super Bowl champions, Dallas Cowboys, in a playoff game in Charlotte.
From the 1995 draft until 2019, the Panthers have drafted 188 players. As is the case with most teams, some have been a huge success and others have fallen by the wayside after failing to live up to expectations.
Here is the top ten draft picks in team history but first, a mention of the players that deserved an honorable mention.
Muhsin Muhammad
Drafted in the second round of the 1996 draft (43rd overall), the Michigan State standout finished his career with 860 receptions for 11,438 yards and 62 touchdowns. He has a first-team All-Pro selection to his credit as well as two invitations to the Pro Bowl.
He tied for the league lead in receptions with Marvin Harrison in 2000 and also led the league in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns in 2004.
Mike Rucker
Drafted in the second round of the 1999 draft (38th overall), the defensive end from Nebraska played his entire career with the Panthers. He recorded 445 tackles, 55.5 sacks, one interception, and 15 forced fumbles. He has a Pro Bowl invitation to his credit in 2003.
DeAngelo Williams
Drafted in the 1st round of the 2006 draft (27th overall), Williams finished his career with 8,238 yards on 1,769 attempts resulting in 62 rushing touchdowns.
He also had 246 receptions for 2,165 yards resulting in nine touchdowns. He has a second-team All-Pro selection to his credit as well as a Pro Bowl invitation. He also led the league in rushing touchdowns on two separate occasions.
Charles Johnson
Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2007 draft (83rd overall), this defensive end from Georgia finished his career with 342 tackles, 72.5 sacks, and 19 forced fumbles. He also has a second-team All-Pro selection to his credit.
Jonathan Stewart
Drafted in the first round of the 2008 draft (13th overall), Stewart notched 7,809 yards on 1,806 attempts resulting in 56 rushing touchdowns. during his career. He also has 171 receptions for 1,344 yards for seven receiving touchdowns. The running back made the Pro Bowl once.
Kawann Short
Drafted in the second round of the 2013 draft (44th overall), the defensive tackle from Purdue is still active and to date has 292 tackles, 36.5 sacks, and nine forced fumbles. He has a second-team All-Pro selection to his credit as well as two invitations to the Pro Bowl.
Trai Turner
Drafted in the third round of the 2014 draft (92nd overall), the former LSU guard became a mainstay of the Panthers’ offensive line on his way to five straight Pro Bowls. Turner is no longer with the franchise after he was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers for left tackle Russell Okung this offseason.