NFL Draft: Re-drafting every first-round pick from 2017 NFL Draft

NFL Draft: Re-drafting every first-round pick from 2017 NFL Draft: 8, SS Jamal Adams

Originally selected 6th overall (-2)

With Christian McCaffrey off the board, the Carolina Panthers will have to go in another direction. In 2017, quarterback Cam Newton may seem like the same ole great player he’s always been but in actuality, he’s turning into a shell of his former self.

Still, while he has a few good years left, the Panthers can ease some of the offensive pressure on his surgically repaired shoulders and extend his time on the field by picking up some defensive help. That’s where strong safety Jamal Adams comes in.

Before Adams was known as a malcontent on the New York Jets, he gained a reputation as a player who was no-nonsense and simply wanted to win. With an All-Pro nod and back to Pro Bowls under his belt, Adams simply wanted to get paid heading into his fourth year and it’s easy to see why. He was all over the field for the Jets, racking up sacks, tackles and sending opposing players to the ER with a big hit in the middle of the field. The Panthers were ranked number 25 in the league on the defensive side of the ball in 2018 and haven’t gotten much better since then.

With the need to score points in bunches, Newton was forced to put himself in harm’s way and was consistently banged up because of it. With a player like Adams on the field, the Panthers could’ve protracted Newton’s career and even prepared him for another Super Bowl run. Even if McCaffrey was still on the board, the right choice here would’ve been Jamal Adams.