An Early Peek At Four Potential Panthers In Next Year’s Draft
/At this point, we don’t know where the Panthers will be picking in the April’s Draft. But it does appear at this point it will be in the top half. I agree with BPA, but the Panthers have to be thinking defense first. The Panthers are in the bottom half of most every defensive category out there. There is good news! According to our friends at DraftTek, it just so happens that 12 out of the top 16 draft picks are projected to be on the defensive side of the ball. Here are four that I have my eye on for the Panthers:
Malik McDowell
McDowell is an elite player that has great size at 6’6/ 275 and is always collapsing the pocket. Should the Panthers not be able to agree with KK on a long term deal, McDowell (though playing a different position) would maintain the talent level in that group. He seems to always be pushing the QB off of his spot and Gettleman puts a premium on that.
Jamal Adams
The Panthers are not set by any means at safety. At 6’0/ 211 lbs.,, Adams has good size. But what I like is he is instinctive like Luke Kuechly and quick like Captain Munnerlyn. He plays up close to the line of scrimmage at LSU and often covers tight ends. He’s a sure tackler with a good nose for the ball. He would be a solid addition to a weak secondary
DeMarcus Walker
Talk about a prototypical Panthers defensive end. 6’4/ 280 lbs. and a baller. He had 4.5 sacks on opening day vs Ole Miss and has 8.5 already on the year. With that kind of speed at that size, he would be an immediate starter on the Panthers defense. He can set the edge like Wes Horton and get after the QB like a younger Charles Johnson.
Marlon Humphrey
Man can the Panthers use an athlete in the secondary. Marlon may be the best athlete in the draft. He plays quick, fast, and strong. This corner would look so good in Carolina that we may one day soon stop missing Josh Norman. He’s a sure tackler that is smart and instinctive. Also a big plus is he is a special teams’ demon. At 6’1/ 193 he is lean and agile but will at least be able to keep up with Julio Jones. He would look good opposite Bradberry.
So these are just four guys that have caught my eye early that I think will be available with the Panthers pick (presuming they pick somewhere between 7-16). Let me know what you think the Panthers should do. There are no wrong answers.
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