The Carolina Panthers may have lost in the Super Bowl, but they're still one of the favorites to win the championship in 2016. However, in order to get back there, they're looking to the draft to help upgrade some weakness to help them stay at the top of the NFC next year, and have already identified several prospects they think will help them. Here is who we think that Panthers will pick in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft:
Round 1, Pick #30 - Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson Tigers
The Panthers are looking for someone to play oppostie of Kony Ealy with Charles Johnson coming back in a backup role, and Dodd has a great chance to be that guy. He finished second in the country with 23.5 tackles for loss last season and has 12 sacks, showcasing his ability to get into the backfield. Dodd needs to work on his consistency, but the talent and ability is there for him to develop into a game changer.
Round 2, Pick #62 - Shon Coleman, OT, Auburn Tigers
Carolina's patchwork offensive line performed admirably during the 2015 season, the Panthers are looking for someone who can be a long-term answer for them at left tackle over Michael Oher. Coleman isn't a guy who will step in and dominate right away, but once he adjusts to the speed of the game and becomes more consistent with his fundamentals, his outstanding combintaion of size, strength, and agility will allow him to be a dominant left tackle.
Round 3, Pick #94 - Cyrus Jones, CB, Alabama Crimson Tide
Jones doesn't have premier size at 5'10" and 197 lbs, but he is an exceptional athlete with the speed and agility to stay stride for stride with receivers down the field. He may be best served at nickel corner, and that's what the Panthers need with a lack of depth at the position behind Josh Norman. Plus, Jones can help out in a big way in the return game.
Back to the Carolina Panthers Newsfeed