Carolina Panthers
1st Round, No. 12 overall- Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
2nd Round, No. 44 overall- Eddie Jackson, S, Alabama
3rd Round, No. 76 overall- Donnel Pumphrey, RB, San Diego State
The Panthers secondary has been an issue for a few seasons and the loss of Josh Norman only brought the problems to the spotlight. Luckily, the 2017 NFL Draft is loaded with talent in the secondary and especially at the cornerback position.
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Marshon Lattimore is only a redshirt Sophomore but plays beyond his years. He’s a savvy defender who commits to using proper technique. Lattimore is also a good athlete who can easily change direction and keep pace with most receivers.
He’d represent an immediate upgrade at the position and should easily win a starting role.
Eddie Jackson will see his draft stock fall a little due to an injury he suffered this past season. However, he’s an experienced and productive prospect. Jackson not only supports the run from his safety position, but also shows the ability to create turnovers.
Adding Jackson and Lattimore would give the Panthers two immediate starters in the secondary.
Donnel Pumphrey would represent a major upgrade at the running back position. Carolina needs to find someone to complement Jonathan Stewart and fill in when he misses time with an injury.