It seems like the Carolina Panthers are the biggest roller coaster team in the NFL. One year they make the playoffs. The next year they are mediocre at best. Part of that description also fits Cam Newton. You just never know what you’re going to get from him on a week to week basis. Now his health is a major concern. Carolina is in a very tricky spot as we enter 2019. What can we expect the Panthers to do during the 2019 NFL Draft. It’s time to continue the draft war room series.
First Round (Pick 16) – The Carolina Panthers have taken steps to improve their offensive line. They signed center Matt Paradis this offseason but still need some help at guard. Trai Turner and Greg Van Roten are the projected starters as of now. I think this could be a Cody Ford landing spot. With such a run-heavy offense with Cam and Christian McCaffrey, beefing up the line always makes sense. Oklahoma has a great offensive line and Ford is their best guy. He immediately fills the hole that Andrew Norwell left behind.
Second Round (Pick 47) – Terrill Hanks could be the pick here. The Panthers need to replace Thomas Davis who bolted for the Chargers. It’s now Shaq Thompson, Luke Kuechly and a guy nobody ever heard of (Antwione Williams). Hanks had a really nice Senior Bowl and was a tackling machine. Then he went to the combine and ran a terrible 40 time (4.98). Maybe the Panthers can trade down to take him but they need a linebacker and it’s slim pickings. Maybe they will go with a guy like Drue Tranquill later in the draft but linebacker is not a strong position to draft this year.
Third Round (Pick 78) – Tight end? It looks like Greg Olsen is about to or already has signed with ESPN. That leaves Ian Thomas as the starter. How about some competition for him. Jace Sternberger, Josh Oliver, Caleb Wilson, and Dax Raymond all fit possible options. The good news is Thomas can block so they can go more of a receiving option if they want.
Third Round (Pick 101) – How about another pass rusher? Julius Peppers finally called it quits. That leaves Mario Addison and Bruce Irvin. Getting another one doesn’t hurt to rotate in. Charles Omenihu could be a good fit. he has freakishly long arms to attack the quarterback. How about Jordan Brailford as more of a speed rusher? Johnathan Ledbetter of Georgia could be a late-round option. Getting another edge player should be on the to-do list.
