5 draft prospects the Carolina Panthers could reach for at No. 6

Carolina Panthers could reach for Devin Lloyd

There is always a surprise come draft weekend. For the Carolina Panthers, that might be using their first-round pick on a defensive player once again despite obvious needs elsewhere right now.

Obviously, nobody can say for sure what positions will need upgrading when the time comes. There is the eventful period of free agency to tackle first, after all.

However, if the Panthers get themselves some veteran offensive linemen and perhaps even a quarterback before the draft, then they could be free to select a defender with little in the way of criticism.

If this scenario comes to fruition, then someone like Devin Lloyd might come into the equation. Carolina has got almost no consistent production at middle linebacker since the great Luke Kuechly announced his retirement and with Jermaine Carter out of contract, there won’t be a better time to secure a long-term talent via the draft.

Lloyd is arguably the best linebacker in this class, although Nakobe Dean would have a lot to say on the matter. The Utah product is physically imposing, is dynamic against the run, and has the necessary explosiveness to make a significant difference in generating pressure.

This would be controversial. But Lloyd has the potential to be Kuechly’s long-term successor providing other needs are addressed beforehand.