Carolina Panthers: 2016 NFL Draft Day 2 Analysis

The Carolina Panthers used day 2 to build their defensive backfield.

The Carolina Panthers came into the 2016 NFL Draft with a clear set of needs. Expectations were that their first round pick would help bolster the defensive secondary but instead, the team picked up another talented defensive lineman in Vernon Butler. However, the organization would use the second and third rounds to select two compelling defensive backs in hopes of finding someone to help replace Josh Norman.

With the 31^st pick of the draft Carolina selected James Bradberry of Samford, then followed that selection up with pick 77 and chose Daryl Worley of West Virginia. Both of these individuals were cornerbacks during their college years and tested very well during the NFL Combine.

At over six foot each both men bring a little more size than Norman and have shown the flashes of skill that can help them become cover corners at this level of play. What is important is that they have the range and physical characteristics needed to cover a large portion of the field, especially when placed in one-on-one coverage against some of the premier receivers in the league. Taking two cornerbacks back-to-back isn’t surprising, but it doesn’t fully solve the need of open positions on this roster.

Nov 14, 2015; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers cornerback Daryl Worley celebrates after intercepting a pass during the fourth quarter against the Texas Longhorns at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /

With four rounds left look for Carolina to add another defensive back to their unit. The team came into the draft with needs that included a running back and offensive lineman, so those needs will be addressed as well at some point during the selections. However, defense was the man puzzle piece that Carolina needed to fulfill early in this draft and with these three selections David Gettleman and company have done so.

More from Carolina Panthers

These next four rounds offer some compelling opportunities for the Panthers. The team is coming off of a 2015 in which the offensive unit performed exceptionally well; especially considering the injury plagued start to the year. Expect these picks to be used to find some long-term options that can be used to fill in for aging players such as Jonathan Stewart and Mike Tolbert. Coming into last season the offensive line was one of the main question points, but they over-performed for much of the year. Taking another offensive lineman would help add some depth to this group.

Wide receiver is another position in which the Panthers could use some additional help. Kelvin Benjamin, Devin Funchess, Ted Ginn Jr. and Greg Olsen will create match problems for nearly any team, but the Panthers could benefit from having another weapon for Cam Newton. Carolina could find a late-round draft pick before round seven to add more depth to this group.

More nfl spin zone: Grading All 31 First-Round Picks

The Carolina Panthers are making some interesting moves during the draft. Their selections have been off the course that was expected by many NFL pundits. However, the leadership in Charlotte is putting together an interesting group of young players that are expected to contribute often and early as the Panthers look to capitalize on all of the momentum that is following them into the 2016 NFL season.

Home/Carolina Panthers