Re-grading the Panthers 2018 NFL Draft class after three years
By Dean Jones
Jermaine Carter – Carolina Panthers LB
Jermaine Carter and head coach Matt Rhule didn’t get off to the most hospitable of starts this season. There was a clear personality clash between the two early on and this resulted in the fifth-round pick seeing little in the way of playing time for the Carolina Panthers during the first half of the campaign.
However, the poor form of free-agent signing Tahir Whitehead meant bridges needed to be built between the pair. Carter was thrust into a starting role for the last seven games and it didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that this completely transformed the defense at the second level.
Draft Grade: B+
Such was Carter’s level of influence, it might make the Panthers think twice about using one of their early 2021 NFL Draft picks on the position this spring. Filling Luke Kuechly’s shoes long-term is the most daunting of tasks, but the Maryland product is not lacking in the belief that he is the man for the job.
Andre Smith – LB
Andre Smith was a hugely popular pick having come into the organization following a standout spell with North Carolina. However, he was used sparingly during his first two seasons at the next level and was subsequently waived by the franchise at training camp in 2020.
Draft Grade: E
Smith found a new home with the Buffalo Bills and turned out in 12 games, mostly featuring on special teams. Locating diamonds in the rough later on in the draft is always a tough ask for any NFL team and it was clear that Carolina didn’t find it in Smith.
Kendrick Norton – DT
Kendrick Norton was Carolina’s final pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and never made it past the practice squad. The defensive tackle struggled to find his feet against more formidable offensive linemen and although he was signed to by the Miami Dolphins in 2019, a serious car accident in July of that year ended his NFL career.
Draft Grade: Incomplete
Norton’s arm was amputated at the scene on State Road 836 following the traffic collision, which almost cost the player his life. Although it was unlikely the interior presence was ever going to make a notable impression at the next level, it’s hard to give him a grade after such a harrowing incident.