Carolina Panthers Draft: Top 10 picks of the Marty Hurney era

Carolina Panthers Draft: Julius Peppers (DE)

Julius Peppers was one of the easiest picks Marty Hurney has ever made with the Carolina Panthers. The dominant defensive end came into the NFL with the highest of ceilings after being taken No. 2 overall out of North Carolina. What came next was the rise to prominence of a player who is now considered among the pass-rushing all-time greats.

Although Peppers departed the organization for a stint in the NFC North with the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. It seemed only right that he returned to finish his career in Carolina.

Carolina Panthers Draft: Luke Kuechly (LB)

Luke Kuechly was a top-ten pick back in 2012 and wasted no time in making his presence felt with the Carolina Panthers. The hard-hitting linebacker was Defensive Player of the Year in only his second season as a professional. And the former Boston College standout went on to become a perennial All-Pro selection.

He rocked the Panthers this offseason when Kuechly announced his shock retirement after a glittering eight years. The inspirational figure probably made the right call for his long-term health. But he can still have an impact on the franchise in his new role as a pro scout.

Cam Newton arrived as the No. 1 overall pick in 2011 and propelled the Carolina Panthers to superstardom in no uncertain terms. The quarterback electrified fans every time he stepped onto the field. And he quickly became the face of the franchise and the most recognizable name in the NFL for a brief period.

His final two seasons in Carolina were blighted by injury and Newton was released in messy circumstances this offseason. Things could be bitter between the two parties for a good while yet. But there is little doubt that his impact on the Panthers was something that cannot be ignored in the years to come.