NFL Draft 2015: Carolina Panthers Team Needs
By Zac Snyder
For a look at the Carolina Panthers’ team needs entering the 2015 NFL Draft, I got together with Cat Crave‘s Bryan Palmese. Below are my questions followed by his answers.
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1. How have the team’s draft needs changed since free agency opened?
"According to GM Dave Gettleman, Michael Oher is who he has slated at LT in 2015, so I think a starting LT gets bumped from the first round. Honestly, the Panthers have barely tipped their toe in the FA pool, so not too much has changed. If they do add a veteran WR like Greg Jennings, I could see WR getting bumped down a round or two as well. Carolina needed to improve the offensive line, add weapons to Cam Newton’s arsenal and solidify their special teams this offseason. The minor signings that they have made have addressed two of the concerns. I think the plan all along was to help Cam in the draft for ’15, and beyond."
2. What would you say are the top three needs remaining?
"Straight away, I put the emphasis on a dynamic/speedy WR and OT. The likes of Jaelen Strong or Devin Funchess are not what Carolina needs. They are better served with a speedy, yet competent wideout to stretch the field for Newton. Offensive tackle needs to be addressed, but Gettleman and Ron Rivera want to bring in a day-one starter, not a project with a ton of upside. Think Jake Fisher, not Andrus Peat. For the third need, I’d say it’s between a slot corner or running back. I’d prefer RB because Jonathan Stewart is no stranger to riding a bike on the sideline, and there’s no proven depth behind him. I’d feel a lot better if there was a young fresh set of legs taken in the first three rounds heading into 2015. Plus Stewart’s contract becomes an albatross after 2015. Carolina needs another CB, but their imposing front-seven can cover the deficiencies a little better than Fozzy Whittaker can cover Stewart’s issues at RB."
3. Are there any prospects that have caught your eye so far?
"WRs: Devin Smith, Nelson Agholor, & Tre McBride OT: Jake Fisher, D.J. Humphries, Rob Crisp & Daryl Williams RB: Todd Gurley, Tevin Coleman, Duke Johnson & Buck Allen CB: Byron Jones, Josh Shaw, Doran Grant"
4. What do you think would make for a successful draft for your team?
"They have to surround Cam Newton with a supporting cast. Providing him more protection and playmakers on offense, will elevate his game. He has been very patient and it’s time, in year five, to hook him up with some firepower. The Panthers’ defense is pretty well established, but the offense have more holes that need to be filled. Carolina lacked playmakers in 2014, plain and simple. Kelvin Benjamin is a young, talented stud, and Greg Olsen provides veteran prowess down the middle, but Newton needs more. This team wasn’t built to make Super Bowl runs in ’14 or ’15. Due to the salary cap and roster that Gettleman inherited, the plan has always been for 2016. This team is trending in the right direction and has been built through the draft, much the way Seattle and Green Bay have been."
5. So much draft focus often goes to the first few rounds, but is there something you’d like to see your team do in the later rounds?
"Dave Gettleman proves his worth on day 3. He has a keen eye for talent and has had some pretty good success over the past two years, in the latter rounds. I’d like to see him continue to add quality depth to what is already in place. I think the Panthers can find a utility WR, as well as a DT and LB to groom for beyond 2016. Gettleman rarely reaches for players, and though it might look odd in April or May of this year, it pays off in a year or two. Carolina is fortunate to have a GM that is dedicated to scouting and building his franchise through the draft, rather than spending money in FA."
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Next: Post-Free Agency Frenzy 2015 NFL Mock Draft