Carolina Panthers' Day 1 2014 NFL Draft Primer

The NFL draft is hours away, and the Carolina Panthers are taking one last look at their notes and pouring over countless scouting reports.  General manager Dave Gettleman put together a decent draft last year and now will have a pick in every round with the hopes of upgrading the Panthers with enough talent to carry the team for the next few years.

A lot of speculation regarding Carolina's first pick has taken place, and it seems to be between drafting an offensive tackle or a wide receiver.  However, don't be surprised if the first pick turns out to be a cornerback.  If Kyle Fuller or Bradley Roby carry more value than a receiver or lineman and are available, they could be chosen.

The next few slides will outline everything a Panthers fan needs to know about the first day of the draft.

Key Offseason Additions and Departures

USA TODAY Sports

Key Additions

Roman Harper, S (3/18/2014)

Jerricho Cotchery, WR (3/20/2014)

Tiquan Underwood, WR (3/21/2014)

Antoine Cason, CB (3/21/2014)

Joe Webb, QB (3/24/2014)

Jason Avant, WR (4/8/2014)

Ed Dickson, TE (4/10/2014)

Thomas DeCoud, S (4/11/2014)

Key Departures

Jordan Gross, LT (Retired)

Steve Smith, WR (Released - signed with Baltimore)

Captain Munnerlyn, CB (Signed with Minnesota)

Brandon LaFell, WR (Signed with New England)

Ted Ginn, Jr, WR (Signed with Arizona)

Mike Mitchell, S (Signed with Pittsburgh)

Analysis

Carolina has a lot of work to do heading into the draft.  The unexpected mass exodus of receivers makes the position a high priority early in the draft despite the veteran signings during the offseason.  

The Panthers should put a lot of focus on offense, but a signing or two on defense can be expected. Carolina needs a cornerback as Captain Munnerlyn's departure left a giant hole in the secondary.  A rookie defensive back will likely replace him within the first three rounds.

The veteran signings of Roman Harper and Antoine Cason should be sufficient to keep the secondary together, but the receiver signings will present many questions.  Much of this is attributed to the unfamiliarity Cam Newton has with the new receivers on the team, but each has the ability to perform well and is the reason they are in Carolina.

Positional Needs

USA TODAY Sports

There are three major needs for the Carolina Panthers going into the draft.  Two of those needs are offensive.  Defensively, the Panthers need to shore up the secondary by adding a talented defensive back.

Offensive Tackle

The need to protect Cam Newton is very important during this draft.  With Jordan Gross' retirement and questions regarding the outside edges of the offensive line, drafting a quality offensive tackle should be Dave Gettleman's first priority.  The need to bring in a true left tackle may not be a deal breaker, as it seems the Panthers could be comfortable with sliding veteran Byron Bell over to the left side.  There is a good chance that Carolina addresses this position with the 28th overall pick.

Wide Receiver

As noted in the previous slide, the unexpected loss of every wide receiver to catch a pass from Newton last year has significantly weakened a vital part of the offense.  The wide receiver position is very deep in talent this year, and that could prompt the Panthers' front office from taking a receiver too early. However, one should be procured within the first two rounds.

Cornerback

Captain Munnerlyn's departure has lowered the level of talent at cornerback.  While the secondary in general was considered a weak spot last year, the loss of Munnerlyn strips the unit of a solid veteran presence at the position.  There is hope that newly acquired defensive back Antoine Cason can provide the necessary experience, but Carolina could definitely use a little help at the position by finding a solid cornerback in the draft.

Other Positions to Watch

Offensive Guard

Shoring up the outside edge of the offensive line is important, but it is not out of the realm of impossibility to see Carolina draft a guard in the middle rounds.  The jury is still out on both Amini Silatolu and Edmund Kugbila.  Injecting new blood into the position battle could serve an extra incentive for both men to compete.

Outside Linebacker

The Carolina linebacker unit is solid all-around.  The thinking here is that finding a young linebacker to play either the strong or weakside would be a great insurance policy for the unexpected.

Tight End

Tight end is not a crazy idea, as Carolina has added some depth behind Greg Olsen.  This seems to serve as the competition battle for the backup spot this summer.  If a rookie tight end is brought on board, he figures to be competing for that backup spot.  

The signing of Ed Dickson suggests the Panthers coaching staff is open to having tight ends more involved in the passing game.  Don't count out a tight end going to Carolina in the middle rounds.

Top Targets

The general consensus is the Panthers will focus primarily on addressing the offensive line and receiving corps early in the draft.  There are other positions that can be addressed like cornerback, but the following have been linked to Carolina in many mock drafts.

Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State

Once a favorite to go to Carolina in the first round, Cooks has seen his stock rise and as a result, he is projecting to go in the middle of the opening round.  That does not mean the Panthers should overlook him.  If he drops, he makes a compelling case to be the team's first selection.

Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia

Carolina needs to start rebuilding the offensive line.  Moses may not be the ideal pick at 28th, but the need to protect Cam Newton's blindside may force the Panthers to overlook his true value.  Fortunately, his selection will not be too much of a reach if he goes late in the first.

Marqise Lee, WR, Southern California

Compared to Victor Cruz, Lee has good route-running skills and possesses excellent straight-line speed. He battled injuries last season, and that could cause the Panthers to hesitate on drafting him.

Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina

This move seems unlikely, as it would require Carolina to trade up to get him.  Additionally, the Panthers are set at tight end with Greg Olsen.  Compared to the other players on this list, Ebron is the least likely candidate to be a member of the Panthers after day one.

Jason Verrett, CB, TCU

A speedy cornerback with excellent leaping ability, Verrett could be a dark-horse candidate to be the first selection for Carolina in the 2014 draft.  The Panthers have a need for a defensive back, but the only way this pick comes to fruition is if Verrett presents more value than any available offensive tackle or receiver late in the first round.

Jawuan James, OT, Tennessee - The newest addition to the mock draft ranks courtesy of NFL Draft Scout.com's Dane Brugler. James is a behemoth of a lineman standing at 6'6" and weighing 311 pounds. He is quick off the snap and has good lateral movement.  He does have a tendency to get beaten with the swim move on run-blocking which does not bode well for a mobile quarterback or the running backs.

Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama

If his knees hold up and he can stay healthy, Kouandjio is an excellent choice for Carolina.  However, Gettleman may not want to gamble with his first pick on the durability of questionable knees.

Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State

A defensive back who has seen his stock go up and down, Roby presents a big decision if he falls to 28th.  Despite his claims that he did nothing wrong, he pleaded guilty to having physical control of a vehicle while impaired.  He should avoid jail time by attending and completing a driver intervention program.  Those off-field issues make him a huge risk. but if Roby can prove all of that is behind him, he could really benefit a team like Carolina who needs an upgrade at cornerback.

Davante Adams, WR, Fresno State

Mel Kiper, Jr liked him so much that he mocked him to the Panthers with the 28th overall pick.  However, he could still drop to the latter part of the second round, so it ultimately depends on how much the Carolina front office (and the rest of the league) values him.

What Are the Experts Saying?

Gail Burton/Associated Press

Todd McShay, ESPN (subscription required) on the Carolina draft strategy:

"

General manager Dave Gettleman remains adamant he will take the best player available even though offensive tackle and wide receiver are huge needs.

"

It is hard to refute that notion because Gettleman has stuck to his guns on that principle since his arrival last year.  However, he may value players differently than other general managers.  For example, Edmund Kugbila was projected as a late-round pick but Carolina took him in the fourth round of last year's draft.

Mel Kiper, Jr, ESPN on Carolina's first-round pick (via The Charlotte Observer):

"

I just don’t see a tackle I’m excited about.  Morgan Moses from Virginia is a left tackle. I think he plays a little too high. He needs to bend better. He did get some improvement in that area late. I don’t see anybody at 28 from an offensive tackle standpoint that would excite me over a wide receiver. And they desperately need that.

"

He could have a point, but Kiper has been known to have his share of misses.  Wide receiver is important, but keeping Cam Newton upright trumps potential weapons he can throw to on Sunday.

Mel Kiper, Jr, ESPN on Carolina's receivers (via The Charlotte Observer):

"

Carolina can’t get just one.  They probably have to get two receivers.

They haven’t had great wide receiver play, even with Steve Smith. Steve Smith was a heck of a player. Who was the other guy? Brandon LaFell dropped a lot of balls.  So it’s not like this team had a great receiving corps, or a good receiving corps, anyway. Now they need multiple receivers.

"

It is hard to argue the point because the receiving corps in Carolina has been underwhelming the past few seasons.  The loss of every receiver who caught a pass from Newton will make things difficult, but the veterans who were signed should step up.  However, receiver is a major need.  Kiper is correct that the Panthers will need to get two receivers.

Dane Brugler and Derek Stephens, NFL.com on Morgan Moses:

"

COMPARES TO: Ryan Clady, OT, Denver Broncos - Like Clady, Morgan enters the draft with plus movement skills for his size, but comes with many of the same questions that Clady did in terms of his ability to gnerate power enough to move defenders consistently as a run-blocker. If he can improve in this area, Moses has the upside to be a top-notch blind-side protector at the next level, as Clady has become.

 

"

Rob Rang, NFL.com on Morgan Moses:

"

While receiver and cornerback are areas of concern, replacing longtime standout left tackle Jordan Gross is the Panthers' top priority. Moses is a gifted athlete whose game took off in 2013 after making the jump from right to left tackle, momentum he built upon with an impressive effort at the Senior Bowl.

"

Finding a solid replacement for Jordan Gross should be paramount.  However, Moses will have to prove the be the best player of value at that point in the draft and with his overall ranking of 37th on CBSSports.com, he may have more value as a second-round prospect.

Pat Kirwan, NFL.com on Marqise Lee:

"

The Panthers might lose out on a left tackle in this draft if they stay in this spot, but since they need a big-time wide receiver as well there will be a player like Lee falling to them and they should take him. Forget 2013 and look at 2012. Lee had 118 receptions and 14 touchdowns.

 

"

David Newton, ESPN on taking a wide receiver first:

"

...if the Panthers don't take a wide receiver in the first round they will take one in the second or third -- or both. There is still plenty of value there without reaching. 

"

Carolina needs a wide receiver, but other needs may hold them back from taking one as the first pick. It is understandable if an offensive tackle or cornerback is taken here.  

Latest Rumors, Reports and Analysis

USA TODAY Sports

The possibility Carolina trades out of the first round:

It is possible this could happen.  As noted in an earlier post, a team like Washington may value a player that may not drop to it early in the second round, and trading up with the Panthers could be an option. Furthermore, if Dave Gettleman feels the best player available is a worthy of an early second-round choice, he could entertain the idea of trading out of the first round.  However, Carolina's ESPN beat writer David Newton doubts such a move happens:

"

At 28, you’re already close to the second around, so it wouldn’t be a huge risk dropping down and getting a player of equal value at a lower cost. That being said, it probably won’t happen.

"

Trading down is more likely than trading up.  As Newton noted, Gettleman isn't the type to give up a lot for the rights to one player.  It's more likely Carolina stands pat at 28.

The need to draft a wide receiver or offensive tackle is a smokescreen:

Per Scott Fowler of The Charlotte Observer: 

"

Gettleman kept making side comments Tuesday about how you can’t win in the NFL with an “average” defense. He is a defense-first guy. He has a former linebacker as his head coach. He is paying defensive end Greg Hardy exorbitant money but let his top four wide receivers walk from last year. His first two picks last season – his rookie year as a GM – were both defensive tackles. Both played very well.

"

It's not out of the realm of impossibility, but if a defensive player is taken first, logic dictates that it will be a cornerback.  However, Gettleman won't be shy about making a great defense even greater.  After all, defense wins championships.

Carolina may not draft a wide receiver or offensive tackle first:

David Newton offered some insight on how the 27 teams ahead of Carolina could impact who it chooses. Essentially, the best player available may not be one that is of particular need, or it could be a cornerback (a need, but not nearly as pressing as those on offense).  Additionally, the statement made by Gettleman seems to suggest he will keep an open mind and not focus on a particular position during the first round.

"

To reach for a player at a position just because you have a need to fill, Gettleman reminded over and over, "more often than not you're going to make a mistake.

"

This should be taken seriously because...

Jason Verrett thinks he's a perfect fit for the Panthers:

"

Definitely if Carolina wants to take me, I’d love to be out there.  I felt like I killed the (dry erase) board work. I understand their defense and their scheme and places where I would fit, whether it’s in the nickel or even on the outside.

"

Verrett has been mocked to Carolina in earlier drafts.  If he offers a better deal at 28th, Gettleman will not worry about his team's offensive needs in the first round.

For the most part, the Carolina front office and staff have been either tight-lipped or coy about draft strategy.  The general rule of thumb is anything can happen on draft day.

7-Round Carolina Panthers Mock Draft

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

This is a short version of the Carolina Panthers' final seven-round mock draft. For a more in-depth look at the predicted players to be drafted by Carolina, please refer to it.

Round 1 (28th Overall)

Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia: The need here is two-fold: start rebuilding the offensive line and provide Cam Newton with someone capable of protecting his blind side. Moses will be an asset in both pass-protection and run-blocking.

Round 2 (60th Overall)

Davante Adams, WR, Fresno State: His college production could offer an idea of what he is capable of doing in the NFL.  If anything, he gets an upgrade at quarterback with Cam Newton throwing to him, and he could usher in a new era of Carolina receiving.  With any luck, the first two picks will fill two vital needs for the Panthers to be successful offensively.

Round Three (92nd Overall)

Stanley Jean-Baptiste, CB, Nebraska: If he is still on the board, it should be a no-brainer to pick him up and upgrade the outside part of the secondary. Cornerback is still a huge question mark for the Panthers, and the presence of Jean-Baptiste could eliminate many concerns regarding that particular unit of the defense.

Round Four (128th Overall)

Anthony Steen, OG, Alabama: The big body that could add some depth to the interior of the offensive line. Steen should be able to go when camp opens and could compete for playing time with the current offensive guards on the Carolina roster.

Round Five (168th Overall)

Brandon Coleman, WR, Rutgers: Another big receiver, but one who is not as physical as he should be. However, if he is groomed properly, Coleman could turn out to be a decent receiver and maybe become one of the steals of the draft.

Round Six (204th Overall)

Justin Britt, OT, Missouri: Britt is a big lineman who could potentially move to the inside. The Panthers need as much help up front as possible, and he could be the logical choice in the sixth round. Drafting a lineman who can move from one spot to another is better than changing the position of a defensive lineman because there are no more bodies available on the offensive side of the ball.

Round Seven (225th Overall Pick)

Jalen Saunders, WR, Oklahoma: The Panthers get a good bargain with its last pick. A receiver capable of lining up in the slot, Saunders has experience returning kicks on special teams. If Saunders develops a chip on his shoulder and displays a fierce competitive spirit on the field, he could be Steve Smith 2.0.

Player information for draft prospects provided by CBSSports.com.  Team player information and transaction activity courtesy of Panthers.com and ESPN.com.