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With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers winning the Super Bowl, the rest of the NFC South will be busy this offseason attempting to knock them down from the top of the hill. The Carolina Panthers are a long shot to win their division next year, but they have some solid pieces to build around.
During the NFL Draft last offseason, the front office focused all of their attention on the defensive side of the ball. This defense is young and needs some veteran leadership to improve. The defense was actually much better than they were projected, so going into the NFL free agency and signing an elite cornerback could be what this team needs to go over the top.
After the release of Trai Turner, and Russell Okung unlikely to return, this franchise will have some new faces on the offensive line. The front office may elect to draft a rookie lineman, however, finding a veteran left tackle should be high on the priority list. The Kansas City Chiefs recently released Eric Fisher, and he could be a solid tackle to lead the young core.
So far this offseason, the Panthers have been rumored to be seeking a new quarterback from the get-go. Teddy Bridgewater is the epitome of average quarterbacks in the league. They likely would prefer to trade for Deshaun Watson, but it seems the Houston Texans are keen to keep their star player. Luckily for Carolina, this draft is deep with talented quarterbacks. It's very possible the front office trades up to acquire their favorite prospect.
Curtis Samuel is due to hit the free-agent market and he might be a bit too expensive for the Panthers to re-sign. However, this draft is loaded with wide receiver prospects who are more than capable of playing in the league. Samuel is known for his versatility, and one prospect stands out amongst the rest that fits that description. Look for the Panthers to be interested in Amari Rodgers during the NFL draft.
Carolina Panthers Bold Prediction: Sign Mackensie Alexander
Coming off a career year for the Cincinnati Bengals, Mackensie Alexander enters free agency as one of the best cornerbacks available. He's steadily improved each season of his career so far, and by the end of last season, Alexander finished with 47 total tackles, six pass deflections, and one interception.
He's been in the league for five years now, and at 27 years old, Alexander is entering the prime years of his athletic career. The Bengals' star corner would be the perfect player to help improve the Panthers' secondary. They finished in the middle of the pack protecting the pass, so Alexander's presence should provide a boost that could push the secondary into the top 10 in the league.
Carolina Panthers Bold Prediction: Sign Eric Fisher
The offensive line was possibly the weakest part of the team last year. They allowed 36 sacks on the year, putting them 16th in the NFL in pass protection. For this offense to improve, they need to have better protection. Furthermore, with Christian McCaffrey's inevitable return, the offensive line will need to be capable of opening up run lanes for their star running back.
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With the Chiefs release of Eric Fisher, the star left tackle becomes available in free agency this year. He's been an incredibly consistent offensive lineman throughout his career. He'd be a nice upgrade over Russell Okung for the Panthers, as Fisher has a much better track record in recent years. His veteran presence would also provide the young offensive core some veteran leadership as well.
Carolina Panthers Bold Prediction: Trade up and Draft Justin Fields
Quarterback is a need for this Panthers team, and they have a real shot at finding a franchise quarterback in this year's draft. Justin Fields enters the draft as one of the best rookie prospects this year. During his final season playing for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Fields finished with 2,100 yards, 22 touchdowns, and an impressive 70.2% completion percentage. He acquired these stats in just an eight-game time span, which means Fields was well on his way to having the best year of his collegiate career.
It's no guarantee Fields falls to the Panthers at eight overall. In fact, Fields is deemed as the second-best quarterback in the draft. To ensure they select him, the front office will have to trade up in the draft. It's unclear what the New York Jets plan to do with the second overall pick, but if Carolina wants Justin Fields, that's likely where they'll move up to draft him.
Carolina Panthers Bold Prediction: Draft Amari Rodgers
Curtis Samuel enters free agency as a prolific offensive weapon. He's a solid route runner and dangerous with the ball in his hands. The Panthers used him as a gadget-tool in their offense, as received carries for them while McCaffrey was out. He's likely going to be too expensive for the Panthers to bring back. However, Carolina can replace him with a solid wide receiver prospect later in the draft.
Amar Rodgers has the potential to be a versatile player in the NFL. During his pro day, he ran drills for both, wide receiver and running back. He's a strong-bodied receiver as well, who is more than capable of taking it to the house on any given play. Playing for the Clemson Tigers throughout his collegiate career, Rodgers played as one of Trevor Lawrence's favorite targets. Rodgers finished his last season with 77 receptions, 1,020 yards, and seven touchdowns. He has the potential to be a strong slot receiver for this Carolina Panthers offense.
