Carolina Panthers: 2007 NFL Draft do-over (7 rounds)

Carolina Panthers 2007 Draft: Eric Weddle over Jon Beason (No. 25)

Jon Beason was a great pick for the Carolina Panthers at No. 25 in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. For his first four years, he was arguably the best linebacker in the league and burst onto the scene with relentless aggression that made an instant hit with players and fans alike.

Unfortunately for the player, after this time Beason was never the same. He only started a total of seven games from 2011-2013. And the wear and tear of playing such a violent position caught up with him quickly.

This pick was by no means a bad one by the Panthers. But Eric Weddle would have been the better long term selection given the steep decline Beason went through following a sensational start to his career.

Weddle is a six-time Pro Bowler and was named to the first-team All-Pro lineup on two occasions. He is still playing at a high level to this day. And has emerged as a real locker room leader that is in keeping with the incredible passion he brings on almost every down.

If the Panthers would have taken Weddle it had the potential to improve their secondary and gave them a star safety for many years. Beason was by no means a bust. But longevity supersedes a short impact in the NFL.