The Carolina Panthers had a solid NFL draft and hope they are ready for the future. They traded for quarterback Sam Darnold and made sure to get him help through the draft.
The Panthers seem committed to Darnold as they traded away Teddy Bridgewater to the Denver Broncos. With the draft the Panthers had, they seem set up for a successful season in a tough division.
In free agency the Panthers made several minor moves to improve depth on the team. The most notable addition was edge rusher Hasson Reddick. Reddick had 12.5 sacks last season and will be very disruptive on the edge on the other side of Brian Burnes.
The Panthers defensive line now has the potential to be towards the top of the league next season. With Derrick Brown, Burners, and now Reddick they can be an elite defensive line for years.
Panthers 1st round
Panthers Cornerback Jaycee Horn: A-
It is obvious that the Panthers believe in Darnold as they passed on Justin Fields and Mac Jones to select Jaycee Horn. Horn is an elite press corner and was debated with Patrick Surtain II as the best corner in the draft. This was a great pick by Carolina as they have to face elite receivers often every season. With Julio Jones, Michael Thomas, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and now Kyle Pitts in the division it is important to have a lockdown corner. Horn will be on the other side of Donte Jackson creating a nice one two duo at corner. With young safety Jeremy Chinn behind them the Panthers young secondary is set up for the future.
2nd round
Panthers Wide Receiver Terrance Marshall Jr.: A
Another great pick by the Panthers comes in the second round. Some people had Marshall Jr. projected to go in the first round so it was a steal to get him this late. They now have another weapon for Darnold in Terrance Marshall Jr. and he will fit great in the offense. With D.J. Moore and Robbie Anderson already at receiver, Marshall Jr. will not be forced to face opposing teams top corners. That will allow for the game to come to him easily in his rookie season and his impact should be immediately felt on the field.
Although they lost Curtis Samuel in free agency, the Panthers will still have a formidable receiving core with this addition.
3rd round
Panthers Offensive Lineman Brady Christensen: B
After passing on some good tackles in round two Carolina selected Brady Christensen in the 3rd. Christensen protected the blind side of number two overall pick Zach Wilson in college and fits the Panthers scheme well. While he may not start right away as they brought in Cameron Erving in free agency, Christensen will develop into a solid tackle at the pro level.
Panthers Tight End Tommy Tremble: C+
Carolina seemed to reach a little bit for Tremble but he will fit their scheme. He is a good blocking tight end which is something they lost in free agency. With Christian McCaffery at running back, having another blocker is never a bad thing. Tremble isn't the best receiving threat but he is a gritty player which is the type of player head coach Matt Rhule likes. He has a lot of potential but the pick still seems like a reach.
4th round
Panthers Running Back Chuba Hubbard: B-
This pick by Carolina will make a great one two punch at running back. With McCaffery as the number one running back, Hubbard could make a perfect number two. His powerful running style will make a great change of pace with McCaffery. Hubbard could be a great goal line option for Carolina as they struggled down there last season.
5th round
Panthers Defensive Tackle Daviyon Nixon: C+
The Panthers take a depth pick on the defensive line. Daviyon Nixon is a great run stuffer who can create some inside pressure. He may not start right away but he will be a good backup for Carolina this season. There is no doubt that Nixon has the potential to become a starter in the NFL but it may take some time.
Panthers Cornerback Keith Taylor: C+
While it seems repetitive for Carolina to take another corner Keith Taylor should get some playing time. He is a player who thrives when playing press coverage which is what defensive coordinator Phil Snow wants to do. It's not a game changing pick but will provide another option for them at corner.
6th round
Panthers Offensive Lineman Deonte Brown: C+
With a need at interior offensive line, Carolina took another depth pick. Deonte Brown provides versatility as he has played at both the left and right side of the line. He didn't allow a sack in all three years of college which will make Darnold's job easier.
Panthers Wide Receiver Shi Smith: B-
Carolina gets another solid depth pick. While Shi Smith won't be a starter he has good hands and will be a solid backup. Smith could see a little time on the field this season if he learns the scheme quickly.
Panthers Long Snapper Thomas Fletcher: B-
Current long snapper for the Panthers J.J. Jansen is 35 and they need to get a replacement. Fletcher is one of the best long snappers in the class and could be their long snapper of the future.
7th round
Panthers Defensive Tackle Phil Hoskins: C
The Panthers take another interior defensive lineman. Hoskins will be a depth piece for this team but he has some upside. His big frame could allow him to crack the rotation if he has a good training camp.
Overall, the Carolina Panthers had a good draft and could fight for a playoff spot this season.
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