Carolina Panthers: Full Draft Analysis

The Carolina Panthers used a long-term approach to the 2016 NFL Draft.

The Carolina Panthers are coming off of an amazing 2015 campaign that creates a high level of expectations for the 2016 season. Much of the off-season has focused on the contract situation surrounding Josh Norman, which is now over. The Panthers front office used the draft to secure numerous players capable of filling in the holes in the defensive backfield. Still, there are questions that need to be answered heading into the off-season workout sessions.

The Panthers used three consecutive picks to bring in cornerbacks to take over the space that Norman occupied. James Bradberry, Daryl Worley and Zack Sanchez were added in the second, third and fifth rounds as viable options to complement the Panthers’ defensive scheme.

Bradberry and Worley are two big and physical defensive backs that play well in man-to-man coverage but are more apt for the zone type of defense that Carolina tends to employ. Sanchez is a bit smaller than the other two players but is more of a man-to-man player as well. The Panthers face many big receivers within their division so it will be interesting to see if either Bradberry or Worley emerge as the better option for that position.

The Panthers also boosted their defensive line by selecting Vernon Butler with their first overall pick. Adding him to the roster that includes Kawann Short, Charles Johnson, Kony Ealy and others is sure to strengthen one of the best front lines in the game. David Gettleman has long used a philosophy that the pressure the front line brings impacts the defensive backfield, which makes it very clear why Butler was selected with Carolina’s first pick.

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The only offensive selection the Panthers made was to pick up the tight end Beau Sandland from Montana State. Greg Olsen has become Cam Newton’s best offense and is coming off of two career years, but this is certainly a move to begin building a bridge towards a future option to play the position. Olsen is only 31-years of age and Sandland has many of the same physical characteristics as Olsen, so his development as a late-round pick will be a story to watch for the future.

The Panthers weren’t done addressing offensive needs as they picked up multiple undrafted free agents. The organization picked up another safety in Jeremy Cash, along with another wide receiver in Keyarris Garrett.

Overall, the Panthers had a less-than compelling draft as they didn’t pick up big, unexpected names. Instead, the organization made calculated moves to address some of the well-known questions that developed in the days leading to the draft. They still do not have a player fully prepared to replace Norman, but the three cornerbacks selected will create some strong competition for the role. Offensively, the team did not pick up any star prospects, but rather went with pieces that can develop into suitable players while playing behind the veterans on this Carolina offense.

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In totality, the Panthers receive a solid C for their work during the NFL Draft. They were unable to get some of the names that were rumored to go their way, but with these acquisitions the team in Charlotte is still one of the most intriguing units to watch leading into the 2016 season.

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