Carolina Panthers: College program draft trends from last decade

The Carolina Panthers have used a diverse method of selecting NFL Draft prospects from various programs over the last decade, according to statistics.

NFL Draft statistics recently revealed what college programs the Carolina Panthers have put a preference on when it comes to bringing a player to the next level.

An interactive chart put together by Vivid Seats shows what direction the Panthers have tended to go in from a recruitment perspective with their 68 selections during the period from 2010-19.

The results are pretty varied from a Carolina perspective. Auburn, Oklahoma, LSU, West Virginia, Stanford and Ole Miss top the list of players drafted with three apiece.

There is a good chance that the Panthers add to this list in the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft. Defensive tackle Derrick Brown is projected by many to be a game-changing player at the position and the Auburn product would be a great fit for Carolina at No. 7.

If the organization choose to focus on their defensive line interior later in the draft, then former Tigers’ star Marlon Davidson could be a solid selection at No. 38.

National champions LSU has some late first-round projections that might fall into the Panthers’ lap early in the second round. These include cornerback Kristian Fulton and standout safety Grant Delpit.

Oklahoma also boasts some considerable talent in the Draft this year. Outstanding linebacker Kenneth Murray has the scope to be a real star and quarterback Jalen Hurts is one of the most polarizing prospects entering the Draft in 2020.

College programs that the Panthers’ have picked twice from are Maryland, Connecticut, North Carolina, Miami, Florida State, Texas A&M, Utah, and South Carolina. Again, there is some serious potential for the franchise adding to these selections in the coming days.

The Panthers have taken prospects from no fewer than 34 other college programs over the last decade. New head coach Matt Rhule had a first-hand look at potential recruits last year in the role at Baylor. This could reap its own rewards over the three days.

It promises to be the most pivotal Draft in recent memory for the Panthers. If they strike gold with their selections it is going to speed up their expected rebuild considerably.

Should the organization fail to pick the right sort of players that can make an immediate impact, then expectations will be at an all-time low in 2020. This is down in no small part to the strength of the NFC South that was further boosted by the trade of prolific tight end Rob Gronkowski to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

With so much invested in their offense during free agency. One would expect the Panthers to use the majority of their eight picks on the defensive side of the ball. Options and real talent appear at a premium and there are plenty of players with the potential to make an instant contribution.