NFL Draft 2011 Grades: Carolina Panthers Add Defensive Tackles in Third Round

After making a huge splash on the offensive side of the football with yesterday's first overall selection of franchise quarterback Cam Newton, the Carolina Panthers had to wait until the third round of the 2011 NFL draft before picking two defensive tackles—South Florida's Terrell McClain at the top of the round (65th overall) and Stanford's Sione Fua at the bottom of the round (97th overall).

If the Panthers had been able to resist taking Newton yesterday, they most certainly would've addressed their defensive line needs and chosen can't-miss tackle Marcell Dareus.

But Plan B included McClain, a player the Panthers had their eye on in pre-draft workouts who was considered by many to have second-round talent. Carolina defensive line coach Eric Washington even put him through a private workout, so there's a good amount of familiarity.

McClain isn't Marcell Dareus by any stretch, but he does have the size (he plays bigger than his 297 pounds), strength and power Carolina is looking for at this position. And with a high motor and disruptive first step, he should be able to contribute immediately as both a run defender and, with some coaching, an effective pass rusher.

Fua was a second-team All-Pac-10 pick as a senior. He wasn't much of a pass rusher at Stanford, so the Panthers will look to him for help in run support. That's a role he should be comfortable and effective with.