NFL Offseason 2019: Ranking the 5 most improved NFC teams
By Lucas Schuh
3. Carolina Panthers
The problems that the Carolina Panthers needed to address this offseason were their pass rush and making sure Cam Newton could stay healthy and they did a very good job of both of those.
In the draft, the Panthers addressed both their pass blocking problem and their pass rushing problem. With their second-round pick, Carolina selected Greg Little. Little is a poor run blocker, but the one thing he excels in is pass blocking. Little is also only 21 years old and has plenty of room to grow into a very good offensive tackle. For good measure, Carolina also selected Will Grier as insurance for Newton.
The Panthers addressed their pass rushing problem by taking Brian Burns, who was absolutely great off the edge at Florida State. Burns is not only a great pass rusher from the edge but is very versatile as well.
In free agency, the Panthers landed a great center in Matt Paradis. Paradis is a very talented center but the one problem and question surrounding him was his fractured fibula, which he suffered last year against the Texans. His upside is undeniable if healthy, though.
They also picked up Bruce Irvin, who is a solid pass rusher, but their best pickup was their most recent one in signing former Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. McCoy was recently cut by his longtime team and the Panthers made a great move by picking up and bolstering their already strengthed front seven.
The Panthers finished last year just below a .500 record. However, with the Buccaneers having a subpar offseason by losing the aforementioned McCoy, Adam Humphries and Kwon Alexander, and with the Falcons having an average (at best) offseason, the Panthers could sneak into the playoffs as a Wild Card team