The Panthers have finally surrounded Cam Newton with some decent weapons; now it’s time to protect him. After signing free agent C Matt Paradis, Carolina is one or two smart offensive line picks away from truly setting up its quarterback for success for the first time since the team drafted him in 2011.
With as many as five offensive tackles projected to go in the first round and a handful of intriguing prospects on the interior available on Day 2, the Panthers should be able to adequately upgrade their pass protection in the draft. The front office will also have to address other significant areas of need, especially on the defensive line.
So how will the Panthers approach the 2019 NFL draft. Let’s put them on the clock…
Picks
Day 1: 16th
Day 2: 47th, 77th, 100th
Day 3: 115th, 154th, 187th
After the NFL awarded Carolina a third-round compensatory pick, the front office has a good collection of picks with which to work. The Panthers could package two of their Day 2 picks in order to move up and draft a player they covet.
Primary needs
1. Offensive tackle
2. Edge rusher
3. Offensive guard
Edge rusher might be the biggest hole on the roster, but the coaching staff can scheme around that while it’s much harder to scheme around a poor offensive line without limiting what you can do in the passing game. For that reason, finding an offensive tackle should be the top priority.
Secondary needs
1. Safety
2. Cornerback
3. Wide receiver
You can add safety to the primary needs section, as Carolina could really use a centerfield type to play alongside Eric Reid. Taking a corner would make sense with James Bradbury headed toward free agency, where some team will assuredly overpay him. Receiver is more of a luxury but finding a replacement for Devin Funchess would allow the team to move D.J. Moore to the slot, where he’ll have an easier time getting open.
First-round targets
1. Andre Dillard, OT Washington State
2. Jonah Williams, OT Alabama
3. Brian Burns, Edge Florida State
4. Clelin Ferrell, Edge Clemson
5. Dalton Risner, OT Kansas State (trade back)
If Andre Dillard or Jonah Williams is on the board at 16, the Panthers won’t hesitate to take either one of them. Though Brian Burns is a prospect worth considering if they believe there are decent tackle options available in the second round. Trading back and taking Dalton Risner is also a smart option.
Other names to watch
1. Zach Allen, Edge Boston College
2. Juan Thornhill, S Virginia
3. Miles Boykin, WR Notre Dame
Zach Allen is an underappreciated edge prospect who is going to produce pressure wherever he ends up playing. Landing him and a first-round tackle would be a dream scenario for Carolina. The question is whether or not he’ll be there at pick 47.
