NFL1000: Carolina Panthers 2017 NFL Draft Preview
The 2015 Carolina Panthers were a very good team for whom everything broke the right way. The 2016 Panthers were a very good team for whom everything went the other way.
Cam Newton, according to head coach Ron Rivera, was "shook" by pressure in 2016, per ESPN.com's David Newton. The run game, which had been tremendously effective in 2015, took a turn for the worse. The offense was far less effective in the red zone. Linebacker Luke Kuechly, the team's best defensive player, missed six games due to concerns over concussions. Cornerback Josh Norman, the team's second-best defensive player in 2015, signed a multi-year deal with the Redskins. Injuries beset the offensive line, and the Atlanta Falcons decided to get really, really good in 2016, taking the NFC South by storm.
That, in a nutshell, is how a team goes from 15-1 to 6-10 and last in the division in one season, without technically falling apart. The Panthers are better than a 6-10 team, but getting back to the truth of what they are in 2017 is a bit murky.
Newton just underwent surgery on the rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder and may not be ready to go when training camp begins. Kuechly's medical future is uncertain. The team has not replaced Norman as a top cornerback, though there's good young depth in the secondary. The offensive line will hardly be affected positively by the addition of left tackle Matt Kalil, who's been one of the NFL's worst pass protectors over the last few seasons.
The Falcons aren't going anywhere, and with the addition of DeSean Jackson, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers look like a playoff contender. For the Panthers to be competitive in a division that gets tougher every year, they'll have to reload at running back, receiver, along the offensive line, at pass-rusher and at linebacker.
It's a lot to ask in one draft, but general manager Dave Gettleman is under the gun to get his team back to a point where 2015 doesn't look like a fluke.
Methodology
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The NFL1000 team of scouts graded a series of important attributes for every player in their positional review. Using a scale starting at 0 and going up to anywhere from five to 50 based on the position and the attribute, our scouts graded each player based on their own expertise and countless hours of tape review over the years. Our evaluators had specific positional assignments based on their proven fields of expertise.
- Doug Farrar: Lead scout/quarterbacks
- John Middlekauff: Running backs/fullbacks
- Marcus Mosher: Wide receivers/tight ends
- Mark Schofield: Wide receivers/tight ends
- Duke Manyweather: Offensive tackles
- Ethan Young: Offensive guards
- Joe Goodberry: AFC defensive ends
- Justis Mosqueda: NFC defensive ends
- Charles McDonald: Defensive tackles
- Zach Kruse: 3-4 outside linebackers
- Derrik Klassen: 4-3 outside linebackers
- Jerod Brown: Inside linebackers
- Kyle Posey: Cornerbacks
- Ian Wharton: Cornerbacks
- Mark Bullock: Safeties
- Chuck Zodda: Special teams
Each corresponding position slide was written by the assigned scout.
Quarterback
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Scheme: Air Coryell/power
Starter: Cam Newton
NFL1000 Score: 75.6/100
NFL1000 QB Rank: 5/38
At the recent owners meetings, Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said Cam Newton would have to rebuild his confidence, and that his quarterback was "shook" after a season in which he took a ton of hits behind an injury-plagued offensive line.
But the stats show that Newton was sacked just three more times in 2016 than in his MVP season of 2015, and he was pressured on 35.5 percent of his snaps in 2015 and 37.7 percent in 2016. It's more likely that Newton was unnerved by the seemingly increasing number of uncalled roughness penalties that happened last season on which he was hit late or outside of the approved zone.
Moving on to 2017, Newton will spend most of the offseason recovering from surgery to a torn rotator cuff, and he might not be available for the start of training camp. It's a minor concern, but given Newton's major decreases in completion percentage and touchdown passes in 2016, one begins to wonder if he'll ever be the transcendent talent he was in 2015.
Newton showed the ability to hit the deep pass with regularity last year, but his receivers let him down to a degree, and the Panthers must do more to get the right kind of talent around him. The team has to hope that 2016 was an aberration.
Backup: Derek Anderson
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
The veteran backup looked awful when he took the field for a concussed Newton against the Buccaneers, throwing two picks and no touchdowns. His two-to-five touchdown-to-interception ratio for the year explains why he's a backup. Derek Anderson has a great deep arm, but he struggles to read the field, and he's not accurate.
Backup: Joe Webb
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
More a "slash" player than a true quarterback, Joe Webb had a few dropbacks for the Vikings back in 2010 and 2011, but he's with the Panthers as much for his potential as a receiver and for his special teams work.
Backup: Garrett Gilbert
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
A big guy with a good arm, the 6'4", 221-pound Garrett Gilbert will come into the Panthers' 2017 camp with some mechanical things to work out. Carolina signed him to a one-year contract in March.
Team Need: 5/10
Potential Draft Fits: Brad Kaaya, Miami; Jerod Evans, Virginia Tech
Running Back
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Scheme: Power
Starter: Jonathan Stewart
NFL1000 Scores: 72.5/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 16/82
Jonathan Stewart signed a one-year extension extension this offseason, but his days of being a bell-cow runner are probably over. He had his moments in 2016 but struggled with inconsistency. Stewart only averaged 3.8 averaged per carry (tied for second-lowest of his 10-year career) and struggled to be productive against good teams.
Stewart is still a powerful runner in the Panthers' scheme and runs behind the fullback as well as anyone. He can break tackles and is still a good short-yardage back. Stewart also excels in goal-line situations with the power he brings. He is not a good outside runner at this stage in his career as he lacks the speed and burst to get outside of defenders. He also doesn't bring much in the passing game besides being a solid blocker.
Overall, Stewart can still help, but he is no longer a top starter at 30 years old.
Backup: Fozzy Whittaker
NFL1000 Scores: 68.1/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 65/82
A lifetime backup, Fozzy Whittaker has developed a niche in the Panthers offense. He's a good change-of-pace running back who can contribute on outside runs and in the passing game. Whittaker only has 142 career carries, so nobody knows if he has what it takes to withstand the pounding of a full-time job running between the tackles.
Whittaker can make defenders miss, so he can excel on outside runs. He does a good job in the passing game working the flats and underneath routes. He can not be trusted to block, as he will put the quarterback at risk. Overall, he's a good backup for Carolina who can help in the passing game.
Backup: Cameron Artis-Payne
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to earn a grade
A fifth-round pick in 2015, Cameron Artis-Payne has seen limited action in the last two years. He did start three games in 2016, showing that he could be functional backup. He averaged four yards per carry and had two touchdowns last season. If Carolina drafts a runner high, which is possible, Artis-Payne will need to produce in camp to solidify a roster spot
Team Need: 9/10
Potential Draft Fits: Dalvin Cook, FSU; Christian McCaffrey, Stanford; Leonard Fournette, LSU; Alvin Kamara, Tennessee; Joe Mixon, Oklahoma
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Fullback
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Scheme: Power
Starter: Darrel Young
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to earn a grade
Darrel Young was out of the NFL in 2016, after spending his entire six-year career in Washington. He was the starting fullback for five seasons before being released in the 2016 offseason. He will have the opportunity to make the Panthers after longtime starter Mike Tolbert left in free agency for the Buffalo Bills.
Team Need: 6/10
Potential Draft Fits: The team should bring in a player as an undrafted free agent to compete with Young.
Wide Receiver
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Scheme: Air Coryell
Starter: Kelvin Benjamin
NFL1000 Scores: 67.4/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 43/155
Since being drafted in 2014, Kelvin Benjamin has been thrust into the No. 1 receiver role for the Panthers. While he's got the size and physical tools to eventually become that, he's far too inconsistent to thrive in that role.
Benjamin is 6'5", 245 pounds, but that massive size actually limits him at times. He's too slow in and out of his breaks to run routes underneath, but he doesn't have the top-end speed to get downfield. His best work in 2016 came when he played in the slot. He was able to make the contested catches in traffic, up the seam. Benjamin is the Panthers' best receiver, but their passing game will always be limited with him as the primary target.
Starter: Devin Funchess
NFL1000 Scores: 62.8/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 99/155
At just 22, Devin Funchess still has a lot of upside and will likely develop into a nice starting receiver in the NFL. However, he may not get that chance in Carolina. Like Benjamin, the 6'4", 225-pound Funchess is an oversized receiver who struggles in the short and intermediate passing game. His skill set is less developed than Benjamin, but he may have more natural athletic ability.
With Ted Ginn gone, the Panthers will ask Funchess to assume the role of the team's No. 2 receiver. However, the redundancy between Benjamin and Funchess may not work, as both players occupy the same space on the football field. Each is much better out of the slot with speed on the outside. Funchess could be in for another rough year in 2017.
Backup: Charles Johnson
NFL1000 Scores: 60.3/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 128/155
After falling on the Vikings' depth chart, Charles Johnson signed with Panthers in hopes of restarting his career. Johnson is another big receiver at 6'2" and provides more athleticism than Benjamin or Funchess. However, Johnson just hasn't been able to find a role in the league as he has now gone 30 straight games without scoring a touchdown. He will likely be Benjamin's backup at the X-receiver position going into 2017.
Backup: Russell Shepard
NFL1000 Scores: 62.8/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 98/155
Russell Shepard signed a three-year deal with the Panthers in free agency after spending the first four years of his career in Tampa Bay. Shepard is known for his special teams ability, but he may get a chance to play on the outside if the Funchess experiment fails.
Backup: Brenton Bersin
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
Brenton Bersin played in 10 games for the Panthers in 2016, but he was waived in October and then brought back later on in the season. Bersin is another big receiver at 6'3", but he lacks any one skill that makes him a lock to make the 53-man roster in 2017.
Team Need: 9/10
Potential Draft Fits: Zay Jones, East Carolina; Cooper Kupp, Eastern Washington; Dede Westbrook, Oklahoma
Tight End
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Scheme: Air Coryell
Starter: Greg Olsen
NFL1000 Scores: 70.7/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 5/96
For the third season in a row, Greg Olsen eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards. What is impressive is that he failed to do so in the first seven years of his career. He has slowly developed into one of the most well-rounded tight ends in the league and has been a consistent playmaker in the Panthers offense.
At 32, Olsen hasn't shown any signs of slowing down. In fact, he's a much better player now than he was five years ago. His ability to do it all makes him a dangerous weapon in Carolina. He's one of the better blocking tight ends in the league, yet he's a tough cover for any safety. He's the clear No. 1 option in the Panthers' passing attack, and that won't change in 2017.
Backup: Ed Dickson
NFL1000 Scores: 60.1/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 64/96
Ed Dickson is an athletic tight end but is an average blocker at best. He's a decent receiver, but he's not often used that way in the Panthers' passing attack. His best role would be as a third tight end who can handle some of the receiving duties if the starter ever went down. He's never been a reliable target, but he does possess the athleticism to get open.
Team Need: 4/10
Potential Draft Fits: Jake Butt, Michigan; Evan Engram, Ole Miss; Gerald Everett, South Alabama
Left Tackle
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Scheme: Gap/power
Starter: Matt Kalil
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
Matt Kalil was selected fourth overall in 2012 by Minnesota and earned a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie. Despite never actually missing game action that first year, offseason knee surgery was in order for Kalil, and he just wasn't the same after.
Kalil's major issues are in pass protection, specifically with his inefficient feet, which leave him out of position. The knee surgery appeared to have limited Kalil's mobility and agility, which both, at one point, were viewed as elite traits. He played in just two games in 2016 before being placed on injured reserve with a hip injury. Despite the abbreviated season, Carolina signed Kalil to a five-year deal that could be worth up to $55.5 million with $25 million in guarantees.
I am skeptical about how much quality production the Panthers can get out of Kalil. However, the structure of his contract is friendly to both sides. Carolina should still to look add an offensive tackle early in the draft.
It has to be the Panthers' hope that with a change of scenery, which includes teaming up with his brother Ryan on the offensive line, Matt will flourish in his second chance.
Backup: Dan France
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
Dan France was an undrafted free agent in 2014 out of Michigan State. He has spent time with Cincinnati and Cleveland as a member their practice squads, before being signed to Carolina's roster late in 2016.
France figures to add quality depth at both tackle spots for Carolina.
Backup: Tyrus Thompson
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
Tyrus Thompson was a sixth-round draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2015 but was released early in the season. Thompson bounced around and was signed to Carolina's practice squad late in 2016.
Thompson was considered a powerful run-blocker while at Oklahoma, but many people had concerns with his range and footwork in pass protection and thought it would limit his pro potential. We haven't had the chance to find out, as he hasn't played a down in the NFL yet.
Team Need: 10/10
Potential Draft Fits: Ryan Ramczyk, Wisconsin; Cam Robinson, Alabama
Right Tackle
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Scheme: Gap/power
Starter: Daryl Williams
NFL1000 Scores: 70.0/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 25/38
Daryl Williams was inserted into Carolina's lineup at right tackle after injuries forced shifts across the board. Williams got his first start against Atlanta in Week 4 and would start 10 games for the Panthers in 2016.
Williams proved to be steady as a pass protector and run-blocker. Though it wasn't detrimental, Williams seemed to get into trouble late in games when his technique would get sloppy as conditioning became a factor, though.
Overall, Williams showed enough in his 10 games as a starter to leave Carolina confident in his ability to man the right tackle spot moving forward.
Backup: Michael Oher
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
Michael Oher had a re-awakening of his career in 2015, in which his performance at left tackle was instrumental in helping the Panthers reach Super Bowl 50. Oher was unable to build on that momentum in 2016, as as severe head injury cut short his season.
Oher's status is still unclear. With the signing of Matt Kalil to play left tackle and Williams' success at right tackle, Oher figures to compete at both positions if cleared from concussion protocol.
Team Need: 3/10
Potential Draft Fits: Cam Robinson (Alabama), Taylor Moton (Western Michigan), David Sharpe (Florida)
Offensive Guard
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Scheme: Gap/power
Starter: Andrew Norwell
NFL1000 Scores: 73.0/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 9/78
Andrew Norwell has emerged as one of the best young offensive linemen in the game over the past couple of years. Norwell's consistent half-man relationship (blocking a DL lined directly over top of him) in pass protection is one of his best traits, as he keeps everything in front of him despite having above-average feet.
His consistency is one-upped by one thing: his ability to drive through and clear play-side gaps in the running game. It looks like Norwell will play on the restricted-free agent tender this year, but he should be in for a big payday in 2018 as a pillar of the Panthers offense, as he's vital to the gap-heavy run game the team deploys.
Starter: Trai Turner
NFL1000 Scores: 72.0/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 20/78
Trai Turner had an up-and-down 2016, showing dominance at times, but he also had some low valleys throughout the year. The power he flashes when he peaks is reminiscent of Larry Allen, but at times Turner struggles to get off the ball and is completely beaten out of his stance.
While having to play a few games at tackle made a weird year even harder, Turner needs to be more consistent week to week and snap to snap to step back into the elite guard conversation.
Backup: Chris Scott
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
The Panthers brought back Chris Scott as depth, after he was below-average when called upon off the bench last year. Given the team's other needs and considerable free-agent spending along the offensive line, as well as the raw depth they have—it's a pretty nice group with Michael Oher set to ride the pine as a sixth lineman—the Panthers won't target an O-lineman early.
Team Need: 2/10
Potential Draft Fits: Damien Mama, USC
Center
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Scheme: Gap/power
Starter: Ryan Kalil
NFL1000 Scores: 73.4/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 2/38
Ryan Kalil rounds out Carolina's strong interior line. Kalil is still a top center at age 32, but given his injury history, the Panthers could at least look at the centers in this class. That said, it is still a year early to draft Kalil's eventual replacement given his caliber of play and the fact there is a weak crop at the position.
Backup: Tyler Larsen
NFL1000 Scores: 65.8/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 36/38
Tyler Larsen struggled in long-term relief of Kalil last year and is likely to be passed by Gino Gradkowski if the latter gets healthy (knee) in time for the preseason.
Team Need: 1/10
Potential Draft Fits: Kyle Fuller, Baylor; Lucas Crowley, North Carolina
Defensive End
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Scheme: 4-3
Starter: Mario Addison
NFL1000 Scores: 64.6/100
NFL1000 Rank: 46/68
Mario Addison signed a three-year deal worth $22.5 million this offseason. That's a starting contract. Addison will turn 30 years old before Week 1 of the NFL campaign is over, and he only has 25.5 career sacks, but he's going to be a starter in Carolina for at least two years, based on that contract.
The former undrafted free agent made just one start last season, but the Panthers are clearly doubling down on a pass-rushing unit that many thought was weak last year. The question now is if Addison's contract is worth his production. In the first eight weeks of the season, Addison had just 1.5 sacks, but he added eight sacks down the stretch.
He's the 2017 version of Robert Ayers, who in 2015 put together a late stretch of sacks in a contract season and parlayed that into a significant deal.
Starter: Charles Johnson
NFL1000 Scores: 66.5/100
NFL1000 Rank: 24/68
Charles Johnson took a one-year prove-it deal after a one-sack 2015. After a four-sack 2016, he signed a two-year, $8 million pact. Johnson will be 31 before the season starts. He's not much of a pass-rusher, but he must be doing enough as a locker room presence to warrant his starting role.
Between Addison, Johnson and Julius Peppers, there may not be another team in the NFL paying three different aging pass-rushers this much money in 2017 and 2018. Not only is the team tied into declining players, but also those immovable contracts, at least immediately, are clogging up space that could be used for developmental edge defenders down the line.
Considering the fact that the Panthers don't put an athleticism premium on the position, it's hard to imagine they'd pick someone who can contribute on special teams, which only hurts a defensive end's chance of making the roster as a buried talent.
Backup: Julius Peppers
NFL1000 Scores: 68.0/100
NFL1000 Rank: 29/65 (Graded at OLB)
Peppers was drafted with the second overall pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2002, keeping the Tar Heel in-state. He eventually left in free agency for the Chicago Bears, then signed with the Green Bay Packers after his release from Chicago.
Peppers has posted at least seven sacks in 14 of his 15 seasons, but his one-year, $3.5 million contract would suggest that he's coming off the bench as a 37-year-old, which might not be the worst idea if the team plans to make a deep playoff run.
Backup: Wes Horton
NFL1000 Scores: 68.2/100
NFL1000 Rank: 16/68
Wes Horton has 8.5 career sacks and has started 27 games for the Carolina Panthers since the 2014 regular season. Those numbers just don't add up. While he might be able to create pressure, he's just not getting home enough to warrant a starting role much longer.
With the team doubling up on the Addison and Johnson contracts, and signing Peppers and trading Kony Ealy, it seems confident in its top three pass-rushers, which means Horton will be lost in the shuffle.
Backup: Ryan Delaire
NFL1000 Scores: 64.2/100
NFL1000 Rank: 50/68
With the trade of Ealy to the New England Patriots, there's a clearer path for Ryan Delaire to make the roster in 2017. The 25-year-old is going into his third NFL season with 15 of 32 possible games played, no starts and 3.5 career sacks.
The undrafted player out of Towson spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Redskins in 2015, too. Most of his career with the Panthers has included shuffling between the practice squad and active roster and then between the active and inactive list on game day. He's a body, and if the Panthers can't add a better fifth body in their rotation, he'll make the team.
Team Need: 4/10
Potential Draft Fits: Taco Charlton, Michigan; Derek Barnett, Tennessee; Tarell Basham, Ohio
Defensive Tackle
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Scheme: 4-3
Starter: Kawann Short
NFL1000 Scores: 73.9/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 5/99
Kawann Short is one of the elite defensive tackles in the game. On the surface, it may appear that Short had a down season because his stats weren't as gaudy as they were in 2015. This couldn't be further from the truth, though.
Short was still a monster versus the run and a forceful pass-rusher, but the back seven couldn't capitalize off his disruption. Short leads a strong group of defensive tackles for the franchise; hopefully for Panthers fans' sake, the team will be able to lock him up to a long-term deal in the near future, as he's playing under the franchise tag in 2017.
Backup: Star Lotulelei
NFL1000 Scores: 68.8/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 19/99
No. 2 defensive tackles don't get much better than Star Lotulelei. He's a steady, consistent presence next to Short. Lotulelei is capable of stretches of dominance to pair with his consistently good play.
Backup: Vernon Butler
NFL1000 Scores: 64.1/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 43/99
Vernon Butler was a great schematic pick for the Panthers as a first-round selection in 2016. At Louisiana Tech he was productive as both a 1- and 3-technique. His rookie season started out strongly with a sack against the Denver Broncos in the season opener, but his playing time was sporadic throughout the campaign as he dealt with an ankle injury.
If he can regain the form he had early in his rookie campaign, the Panthers will look smart for spending a first-round pick him as Lotulelei likely moves on to a new team in 2018.
Team Need: 1/10
Potential Draft Fits: Eddie Vanderdoes, UCLA; Ryan Glasgow, Michigan
Outside Linebacker
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Scheme: 4-3
Starter: Thomas Davis
NFL1000 Scores: 72.3/100
NFL1000 Posiiton Rank: 3/46
It is a phenomenon that Thomas Davis is still able to play at such a high level despite being in his mid-30s and having suffered major knee troubles earlier in his career. He is a machine. Davis did not finish with the highest grade in any one area, but he posted high scores in every category, including pass rushing.
He is a do-it-all type for the Panthers and is a major impact player in every facet of the game. Father Time may come a-knocking soon, but Davis should be good to go in 2017.
Backup: Shaq Thompson
NFL1000 Scores: 67.1/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 11/46
Shaq Thompson is normally the Panthers' third linebacker in base sets, but he was forced into more snaps in nickel looks due to Luke Kuechly's injuries this past season. In base formations, Thompson is primarily tasked with being a run defender. He is an energetic run defender who can chase from the back side just as well as he can press the point of attack on the play side.
Thompson does not provide much value as a blitzer on passing downs, but he does have nice coverage skills, especially in the short game. The 22-year-old is one of the best young linebackers in the league and is an embarrassment of riches for the Panthers, who already have the best linebacker duo in the NFL.
Backup: David Mayo
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
With A.J. Klein walking in free agency, David Mayo is next in line for the Panthers. Mayo was drafted in the fifth round two years ago and has been a minor contributor on defense. However, he has played plenty of special teams and established himself as a valuable player in that regard.
With two years left on his contract and the Panthers having a plethora of other linebacking talent—both ahead of and behind Mayo on the depth chart—there is no pressing need for the team to address the position.
Team Need: 3/10
Potential Draft Fits: Blair Brown, Ohio; Jordan Evans, Oklahoma; Elijah Lee, Kansas State
Inside Linebacker
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Scheme: 4-3
Starter: Luke Kuechly
NFL1000 Scores: 79.5/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 1/65
When healthy, Luke Kuechly is the best inside linebacker in the NFL. He excels in each phase of the game, combining athleticism and technique with instincts that consistently put him in the right place. Unfortunately, Kuechly's 2016 season ended with a scary concussion—his second reported concussion in as many years—and the Carolina Panthers were left to use backup A.J. Klein in his place.
The Panthers utilize Kuechly in ways that many other teams would fail to, employing him as a one-on-one interior pass-rusher as well as expecting him to lock down running backs in coverage. As a run defender, no 'backer can key offensive linemen as quickly before locking out and redirecting to the football. He continually piles on tackles while being the team's unquestioned physical and emotional leader.
The Panthers likely won't enter the draft with inside linebacker at the top of their list of needs, but they'd be wise to consider at least taking a potential high-level backup in later rounds.
Backup: Ben Jacobs
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
The Panthers lost a valuable defensive piece when Klein elected to sign with the New Orleans Saints as an unrestricted free agent. He was the perfect backup to Kuechly as someone who could jump in and adequately fill the role without being a liability.
The team will now turn to Ben Jacobs in that regard. Jacobs played at Fresno State and has been in the league since 2011 and with three teams, including agreeing to an injury settlement with Carolina in the beginning of the 2016 season.
It's unlikely that the team is resting any hopes on Jacobs. The Panthers would do well to draft a developmental linebacker in the mid rounds who can fill in for Kuechly should any lingering concussion issues arise.
Team Need: 5/10
Potential Draft Fits: Harvey Langi, BYU; Ben Gedeon, Michigan; Kendell Beckwith, LSU
Cornerback
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Scheme: Cover 2
Starter: James Bradberry
NFL1000 Scores: 61.9/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 76/133
The best cornerback on the Panthers depth chart, James Bradberry, will look to continue the momentum he established at the end of 2016 and get closer to fulfilling his athletic potential. Bradberry, a rookie, had two encouraging stretches last year, including four of the first five weeks he played (despite injury causing him to miss three games), and the final three weeks.
Still, after he missed time after the first month, Bradberry struggled to make impact plays. In Carolina's corner-friendly scheme, he'll be expected to play more press than off-ball as he did last year and continue to play the ball more effectively.
Starter: Daryl Worley
NFL1000 Scores: 58.3/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 111/133
The other starting rookie corner, Daryl Worley, didn't have the strong start to 2016 Bradberry had, but he never wavered much in his play.
Worley is the upgradeable starter of the two, but it's also not like the Panthers need to panic about the 22-year-old whom they just spent a third-round pick on. The reality is that the team has more dire needs elsewhere, and the recent investments into the position have Worley all but penciled in as a starter. In addition, that's not a glaring hole despite the middling grades.
Slot: Captain Munnerlyn
NFL1000 Scores: 60.5/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 87/133
In an effort to hedge against the injuries the Panthers suffered last year, including to 2016 draft pick Zack Sanchez, the team signed Captain Munnerlyn to a four-year, $17 million deal with essentially two seasons guaranteed.
That's concerning, as Munnerlyn's play dipped at the midway mark of last season following an ankle injury. Prior to that, he graded as a reliable slot corner who plays the run effectively. Munnerlyn's familiar with Carolina, and his return will at least bolster the depth and allow the team to look elsewhere early in the draft.
Team Need: 3/10
Potential Draft Fits: Teez Tabor, Florida; Quincy Wilson, Florida; Chidobe Awuzie, Colorado; Rasul Douglas, West Virginia; Marlon Humphrey, Alabama
Free Safety
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Scheme: Cover 3 and Cover 4
Starter: Kurt Coleman
NFL1000 Scores: 71.3/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 27/53 (Graded at SS)
Kurt Coleman spent most of last season at strong safety, rather than free. He was fine in coverage but struggled against the run. He doesn't lack intent or desire, but he usually attempts to throw himself at a running back to try to knock him down rather than making a wrap-up tackle.
With the addition of Mike Adams, however, Coleman should revert to his preferred free safety spot where he'll spend more time in coverage than in the box. The Panthers appear to value veteran leadership on the back end, because Coleman is set to be the starter over Tre Boston, who is coming off a strong year.
Backup: Tre Boston
NFL1000 Scores: 73.4/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 11/50
The Panthers didn't appear to be particularly confident in Boston last season, despite his grading out well. In coverage, he displayed good instincts and adequate range to help him stay on top of deeper routes and take them away. He is another big hitter, though he does a better job of securing the tackle than Coleman.
Boston did have a few issues when supporting the run from deep, failing to fill the alley on occasion. There were also a few problems in coverage as the deep-middle-third defender, where underneath receivers would run past him crossing the middle of the field because of a bad angle coming from deep.
But overall, Boston had a strong season and is unlucky to find himself in a backup position. He gives the Panthers good depth, though.
Team Need: 0/10
Potential Draft Fits: None. The team could consider bringing in camp competition with undrafted free agents.
Strong Safety
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Scheme: Cover 3 and Cover 4
Starter: Mike Adams
NFL1000 Scores: 71/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 30/53
Mike Adams continues to be a reliable strong safety despite his age. He's 36 and yet played nearly double the snaps (997) of any of the Colts' other safeties last season. While the rest of the secondary went down injured, the evergreen Adams could be counted on to be on the field on game day.
Adams is at his best in the box as an extra run defender and in underneath zone coverages, but the experienced veteran has done it all and can still play the deep half or quarters. He provides leadership on the back end and can occasionally be somewhat of a spark with hits in the run game. His signing allows Kurt Coleman to slide back to free safety, although Coleman could still slip back to strong safety if Adams were to get hurt.
Backup: Colin Jones
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
Colin Jones is almost exclusively a special teams player for the Panthers. He fits in well as the fourth safety, because Adams and Coleman can play both spots, and Boston deserves significant snaps, too. That means the fourth guy on the depth chart won't see many snaps and has to contribute on special teams.
That's exactly what the six-year veteran is and has been throughout his career. Don't expect the Panthers to go out of their way to replace him, though they might bring in a few bodies in training camp to compete with him.
Team Need: 1/10
Potential Draft Fits: None. The team could consider bringing in camp competition with undrafted free agents.
Kicker
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Starter: Graham Gano
NFL1000 Scores: 66.8/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 20/34
Graham Gano battled inconsistency throughout the 2016 season, never seeming to get into the rhythm he desired. He then had foot surgery shortly after the conclusion of the year, suggesting that was a major reason for his struggles.
When clicking, Gano uses a clean, efficient inside-out approach to kicking that allows him to square up to the target on a consistent basis. This year, the timing of his move through the zone seemed off, and he repeatedly jammed himself and did not allow his hips to clear through the ball properly.
With good health, he is likely to see a slight rebound in form, but his history suggests he is an average to slightly above-average kicker, and it would not be surprising to see Carolina bring in a camp leg as competition and a backup plan in case Gano has issues coming back from surgery.
This is the final year of Gano's contract, so in the event he does not rebound well, the Panthers will be able to move on at little cost.
Team Need: 5/10
Potential Draft Fits: None
Punter
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Punter: Andy Lee
NFL1000 Scores: 67.6/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 11/34
The Browns traded Andy Lee to the Panthers shortly before the season, as Carolina sought to pick up a slight edge in the punting game that might help it advance to a second straight Super Bowl. While the Panthers' season was disappointing, Lee fell just outside of the top 10 punters in the NFL and displayed a powerful leg before going down with injury approximately halfway through the campaign.
Lee did not display a strong feel in the directional game this year, but that could be a relic of Carolina's approach to punting, as it employed Brad Nortman one year earlier, who lacks the directional ability Lee typically shows.
While 2016 was somewhat of an adjustment for Lee, expect him to have a stronger 2017. We'll also likely see more variation in what Carolina tries to do in the punt game to prevent returns. Lee is not going anywhere anytime soon, and it is unlikely he sees much competition in camp, though there may be a leg brought in for a week or two after the draft.
Team Need: 2/10
Potential Draft Fits: None
Advanced statistics provided by Pro Football Focus unless otherwise noted.
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