Panthers Rumors: 3 Players Carolina Should Pick In The NFL Draft Are...

The Carolina Panthers became the first team to win the NFC South in consecutive seasons and returned to the playoffs despite a 7-8-1 record, but they need to improve to make sure they make the postseason again next year. Here’s who the Panthers are targeting in the draft to help make that happen:

OL La'el Collins, LSU

Carolina is looking to sure up their offensive line to help keep quarterback Cam Newton healthy. They were extremely inconsistent last season, and despite Newton’s mobility, he was still sacked over 40 times in 2014. Collins has the size, strength, and footwork to be an impact player right away on the next level, and he'd be an immediate upgrade for the Panthers.

WR Justin Hardy, ECU

Kelvin Benjamin proved he can be a top-notch receiver in his rookie season, but they Panthers need to find another receiver they can rely on. Philly Brown is a natural slot receiver, and Hardy could immediately step in on the outside. He's the NCAA's all-time leader in receptions, and his reliability would allow the Panthers to use Benjamin as a deep threat more.

OL Laken Tomlinson, Duke

If Collins is off the board in the first round, the Panthers will look somewhere else and take Tomlinson in the second round. He would fit in as a skilled, intelligent player who should be able to start right away as a rookie and have a long career.

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