Carolina Panthers 2014 NFL Draft: The Players, The Picks, The Fit
By Ben Natan
Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (1) catches a touchdown pass over Auburn Tigers cornerback Chris Davis (11) during the second half of the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Kelvin Benjamin, WR, FSU
6’4″, 240 LBs
The Player
When you look at Kelvin Benjamin, he just looks like a wide receiver. He is huge, he has a strong frame and he moves pretty well for a man his size. Here is the issue, everything else is pretty bad. He has bad hands, bad concentration, not very aggressive going after the ball and is a bad route runner. Teams can obviously get caught up in size and upside, but how much better can a 24 year old get? Is he already maxed out?
The Pick
This is not only a reach, but a huge risk. There are way too many factors playing against Benjamin for him to turn out. They reached for a risky player in a deep class when they have a glaring need at offensive tackle. Bad pick, bad value. Joel Bitonio would have been the guy I would have taken here.
The Fit
Benjamin is going to get thrown into the starting line up immediately because of the impact the Panthers will need from their WRs. Theoretically he comes into play in the red zone for the Panthers rather than a chain mover. Expect him to be in the slot a lot to create mismatches and allow him to win off of pure size.
Kony Ealy, DE, Mizzou
6’4″, 273 lbs.
The Player
Inconsistency plagues him, but he has a lot of physical tools that allow him to be a great outside and inside disruptor.
The Pick
I am really surprised he fell this far. Ealy has a lot of gifts going for him and the Panthers stole him.
The Fit
With a currently stacked defensive line, the Ealy can be rotated in as the team pleases. He can play on the outside but could also kick inside on passing downs and create issues from inside.
Trai Turner, G, LSU
6’3″, 310
The Player
Turner is an immensely powerful player who has great overall athletic ability and can absolutely maul people. He has some issues with balance and can have clumsy footwork, but I am a fan of his athletic ability.
The Pick
I thought this had very good value and it filled a need. Good pick.
The Fit
Turner needs to start immediately. He is too talented the Panthers need offensive line help bad enough to make this a must. He will have his growing pains, but his upside is very enticing.
Nov 23, 2012; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers offensive lineman Trai Turner (56) blocks Arkansas Razorbacks defensive tackle Jared Green (57) at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. LSU defeated Arkansas 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Tre Boston, S, UNC
6′, 205
The Player
Boston is a very rangy player who comes over the top well and has great closing speed. He is not a very good tackler and cannot play the run very well, but he is a good cover man with good upside.
The Pick
I think this is a reach for a need, but the Panthers need talent in their secondary.
The Fit
I am not sure if the Panthers want to start Boston day one, but there is not much ahead of him. The mean Panther front seven will create situations where Boston can use his closing speed to make plays on errant passes.
Oct 17, 2013; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels safety Tre Boston (10) reacts in the fourth quarter. The Miami Hurricanes defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels 27-23 at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Bene Benikwere, CB, SJSU
5’11”, 195 lbs.
The Player
Much like Boston, Benikewere has very good range and fluidity, but is also lacking in physicality and awareness. Also has pretty scary injury history.
The Pick
Decent fit for a good athlete if not a tad of a reach.
The Fit
Do to the dearth of talent at defensive back for the Panthers, the team could end up starting Benikwere in the slot this year.
Tyler Gaffeny, RB, Stanford
5’11”, 220 lbs.
The Player
Gaffeny has good vision and is a very smart, patient runner. He does not have very good athletic ability, but makes up for it in savvy and hard running.
The Pick
Spending a late round pick on a running back is smart.
The Fit
I think that with the tons of backs on the Panthers’ roster, it seems hard to imagine Tyler makes the team. He is a solid back though and could push for a roster spot and his style of play could pick up some carries down the line.