2012 NFL Draft 1st-Round Odds: Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers were much more than the typical team that picks in the top 10. A rash of injuries on defense and fourth-quarter efforts that came up short put the team in position to add another premium prospect.

It's pretty easy to nail down at least five of eight players that will be taken ahead of Carolina, but it's much more difficult to narrow down the list of players the Panthers will consider with the ninth pick.

Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina: 25 percent

With Charles "Big Bully" Johnson locked up for the long term, the Panthers could opt to give him an equal, if not greater talent on the other side of the defense.

Coples is easy to justify based on ability, but his effort issues and murmurs about his combine interviews may be an obstacle when deciding whether he is worth a top-10 pick.

Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State: 25 percent

The Panthers' most glaring need is most definitely defensive tackle, where they started two rookies last year. Cox is the most talented DT in the class, but he's not the clear No. 1 possibility because St. Louis could take him.

Michael Brockers, DT, LSU: 15 percent

Brockers was considered to be the elite physical talent at defensive tackle before the combine, but certainly not after.

His long frame and athleticism do make him a fit for the 3-4 if Ron Rivera wants to move in that direction, but he would seem to be clearly behind Cox right now.

Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis: 15 percent

Poe put himself in consideration with a ridiculous combine that put him potentially in the B.J. Raji level of DT prospect, but his tape doesn't match that kind of hype.

He could still be the pick as a high-ceiling interior defensive lineman who can create massive one-on-one mismatches if he hits.

Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame: 5 percent

The Panthers should be focused on their defense—specifically the defensive line—and the 80 percent chance of a defensive lineman reflects that.

Floyd is one of the offensive players that could be taken on a best-player-available theory.

Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State: 5 percent

I'm not a huge fan of Blackmon's fit in the offense, and he is probably less likely to be there than Floyd, but he is still a best-player-available possibility.

David DeCastro, OG, Stanford: 5 percent

Another best-player-available possibility, DeCastro probably has the highest floor of anyone on this list, and he would start right away.

Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina: 5 percent

I could be underestimating the chances of Gilmore staying in the Carolinas. The Panthers have a big need at cornerback, and Gilmore seems to have emerged as the No. 2 corner in the draft. His physical ability is top 10, but his tape isn't.