Carolina Panthers: Impacting The Offense Through the Draft
Carolina Panthers need to make some key offensive adjustments in the draft.
With the 2016 NFL Draft quickly approaching, much of the talk for the Carolina Panthers focuses on the team defense. With Josh Norman no longer on the roster, the organization is looking for ways to strengthen that unit. However, the offense could also use some adjustment through the draft as well. Here are some options for how Carolina can adjust their offense through some key picks in the draft.
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Greg Olsen is one of Cam Newton’s favorite weapons. The former first-round draft pick has put together career seasons while working with the former Heisman trophy candidate. Unfortunately, Olsen is now entering season number ten and at some point the team will need to find another weapon in this position.
Kyle Carter from Penn State is a solid tight end that Carolina can nab in the later rounds. He’s struggled in key areas which are expected when the tight end is as big of a part in the offense as Olsen, and those areas are where Carter has struggled. He has the raw physical tools to make an impact and with Olsen’s tutelage for a number of years Carolina can leverage Carter into a long-term project.
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Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess are a compelling 1-2 punch through the air. Adding in Ted Ginn’s speed and ability to stretch the field gives the Panthers quite the passing attack and wideout Corey Brown made strides last season. Florida’s Demarcus Robinson fits into this role, if the Panthers can get through some of his other issues.
Robison has been suspended for various infractions, but his athletic abilities still make him a viable threat. With Benjamin and Ginn working the outside, Funchess and Robinson in the slot creates insane mismatches for opposing teams. He would be a major project for this team to get through, but Norman was hit with the same critiques when he was drafted by Carolina and needless to say he was a huge success.
Cameron Artis-Payne didn’t turn heads his rookie season, but he’s in a key position to make a mark on this Panthers’ roster. Jonathan Stewart is 29-years old and continues to struggle with injuries. Artis-Payne should expect a bigger role in the offense, but should not be surprised if another running back is added to the core.
Mike Tolbert may have been signed to another year but he is also getting up there in age.
Kenyan Drake from Alabama may be the answer. He’s not the career workhorse that teams can lean on, however he’s at his best when paired with teammates such as Stewart and Artis-Payne. Adding Drake as a third-down back is a change of pace from using Tolbert and he can easily learn a lot from these franchise players.
One other position that needs addressing is the offensive line. Coming into the 2015 season they were seen as the weak link in the organization. However, the front line pushed the defensive in such a way the Carolina Panthers have a record of rushing games with more than 100 yards in a game that goes back two seasons.
Adding Le’Raven Clark from Texas Tech isn’t a bad move for a third round pick. He has the physical tools but lacks some technical prowess that could make him a liability. But, with some time learning behind the current set of starters, Clark could become a special player.
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Defensive is driving the conversation for the Panthers, but their offense could some help as well. These moves allow them to make some quiet changes that fly under the radar which are where the gems are found in the NFL Draft.