6 worst Carolina Panthers NFL Draft picks over the last decade

Rashaan Gaulden – CB

• 3rd round (2018) – No. 85 overall

Much was expected of Rashaan Gaulden when the Carolina Panthers selected him in the third round back in 2018. The cornerback enjoyed a phenomenal college career at Tennessee and had everything going for him from a physical standpoint, but this sadly did not equate to becoming a valuable contributor in a professional environment.

Gaulden was inconsistent over 24 games for the Panthers before eventually being moved on during the 2019 season. He has bounced around the league since and spent last year with the Las Vegas Raiders, but there will always be the case of what might have been where the player is concerned.

Terrell McClain – DT

• 3rd round (2011) – No. 65 overall

Terrell McClain has managed to carve out a successful career for himself that has also seen the defensive tackle win a Super Bowl during his one year with the New England Patriots. However, this has been as a bystander in comparison to what was expected of the player coming out of college and it was a major bust from Carolina’s point of view.

McClain was the first Panthers pick after their decision to select Cam Newton No. 1 overall out of Auburn. He played 15 games during his rookie campaign – securing one sack – but wasn’t around after this and has been out of the league since 2019.

Expecting too much from Day 2 picks can be a major undoing for a lot of teams. But the Panthers whiffed on McClain and he proved nothing more than a journeyman throughout his time in the NFL.