The old saying in the NFL is it takes four seasons to fairly evaluate a draft class. Well, it has been four years since Marty Hurney rejoined the Panthers for his second stint as general manager and oversaw the 2018 draft, so let’s look back at the results.
And remember, when it comes to evaluating draft performance, the right way to view things is how well the player performed relative to expectations for where he was drafted. Here are my broad expectations based on draft position:
First round: Impact players with Pro Bowl potential
Second round: Above average starters
Third-fourth round: Capable depth to borderline starters
Fifth-seventh round: Make the roster, provide situational depth, contribute on special teams
As far as grading goes, a “C” in my book represents “perfectly meets expectations” given where the player was drafted.