Carolina Panthers: Predicting their 2016 NFL Draft strategy

The Carolina Panthers have a great opportunity to surprise during the 2016 NFL Draft.

The NFL draft is a few short days away. This day is always a major moment as fans and experts look for ways that the stronger teams strengthen their roster or weaker teams pick up a player, hoping he immediately impacts the team. Coming off of a great 2015 season and having made compelling moves during the off-season, the Carolina Panthers are poised to make some interesting moves on the draft board. When looking at the roster and the free agency moves completed to date, the 2016 NFL Draft is an opportunity for the Panthers to pick up the best players that fall into their lap.

Often times, teams turn to the draft to address key needs on their roster. Carolina, led by general manager Dave Gettleman, did a spectacular job using the off-season to do that same thing. Resigning Charles Johnson and Michael Tolbert brought back impact players on both sides of the ball.

Adding Paul Soliai and Brandon Boykin provides depth at two defensive positions with players that may not fill up the box score, but have the abilities to let their teammates excel. These are among other moves that the organization made to add depth across the board at positions that are vital to how they play the game.

Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) reacts during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 at Levi /

As the April 28 date approaches, these moves allow the Panthers to take a unique position into the draft. Instead of using their picks to fill in these holes, the team can now look to pick up the best available players on the board.

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The Panthers own six picks during the draft this year. Their sixth round pick was sent to Chicago in the trade that brought in Jared Allen. It will be interesting to see how the Panthers use those six picks Thursday through Saturday.

At this point in the off-season, every draft expert posts their mock drafts for mainstream consumption. While many of those picks are hit or miss, there are some selections that continue to come up as potential additions to the team in Charlotte.

Von Bell, a safety from Ohio State, and Corey Coleman a wide receiver from Baylor are two of the most referenced names for the Panthers coming into this draft. Wide receiver certainly is a pressing need and Corey’s speed would be a welcome addition to go along with the size of Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess while complementing Ted Ginn’s speed. Bell, on the other hand, bolsters a defensive back core that is amongst the best in the league.

More nfl spin zone: Brandon Boykin Is A Potential Solution For The Panthers

After the second round the Panthers will have the opportunity to pick up the best players left who will add additional weapons on both sides of the ball. This team isn’t looking to fill massive holes on what is already a loaded roster. Instead, taking the best player available outlook creates an opportunity for Carolina to find some surprise weapons that can add value both next year and in the years to come. This is a sound strategy for a team that has truly built itself for the long-term future.

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