Now that the Super Bowl has been played and free agency is approaching in a month, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be looking at the top three needs for each team. Today, the Carolina Panthers are under the microscope. The Panthers have the 30th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, and they will look to build upon their historic 15-1 campaign that led them to the Super Bowl. With quarterback Cam Newton and linebacker Luke Kuechly already sealed for the future, cornerback Josh Norman will be one the organization’s top priorities.
Carolina Panthers 2016 Offseason: Top 3 Needs
Offensive Tackle
Jordan Gross picked the worst time to retire. After 11 seasons and three Pro Bowl selections, the Panthers cornerstone left tackle called it a career after the 2013 campaign. As expected, his departure left a tremendous void along Carolina’s offensive line. The team allowed 42 sacks and 67 hits on the quarterback in 2014, surrendering an average of 2.6 takedowns per contest. Slight improvements were made this season as both the sack and quarterback hit totals decreased to 33 and 61, respectively. With center Ryan Kalil and right guard Trai Turner earning Pro Bowl berths in 2015, the interior of the offensive line is set in stone. Confident on the inside, the Panther front office should be heavily concerned with the underachieving tackle play. Mike Remmers and Michael Oher were overwhelmed by the tenacious pass-rushing tandem of Von Miller and Demarcus Ware, who combined for four and a half sacks in the Broncos’ Super Bowl 50 victory. With quarterback being the most stout position in the NFC South, Carolina must find someone who can protect Cam Newton’s blind spots at all times.
Ole Miss’s Laremy Tunsil will be long gone by the Panthers’ No. 30 pick, but Auburn’s Shon Coleman and Ohio State’s Taylor Decker should be playable draft options if they don’t fix the position in free agency.
Wide Receiver
Similar to Gross, Steve Smith picked the worst time to leave the Panthers also (although his exit was from a much different circumstance). In Smith’s final season with Carolina in 2013, he was second only to tight end Greg Olsen in receptions (64) and yards (745). Brandon LaFell was was third in those respective categories. In 2014, Olsen once again led the team with 84 catches and 1,008 yards while rookie Kelvin Benjamin also had 1,008 yards on 73 grabs. Jerricho Cotchery was the next-highest reception getter at 48. Already criticized for their lack of production, the Panthers receiving corps took a huge hit with Benjamin’s season-ending injury during training camp. Behind Olsen’s 77 catches and 1,104 yards in 2015, Ted Ginn tallied only 739 yards on 44 catches. Despite boasting a 15-1 record, critics and fans nationwide maligned the pass catchers for not stepping up for Cam Newton, especially in the Super Bowl. Although Benjamin will return in 2016 and Devin Funchess has promise going into year two, acquiring another wideout should be a priority.
Unless they trade up in the draft, Laquon Treadwell (Ole Miss) won’t be available. Corey Coleman (Baylor), Michael Thomas (Ohio State), Josh Doctson (TCU) and Will Fuller (Notre Dame) are guys who can potentially fall to the Panthers.
Defensive Back
Most football sites suggest that defensive end is a top three need for the Panthers, but defensive back is more pressing. If Carolina would’ve won the Super Bowl, Kony Ealy would be the game’s MVP. His three-sack, one-interception performance proved that he can play at the highest level for the Panthers as a pass rusher. Cornerbacks Courtland Finnegan and Charles Tillman provide solid veteran presence, but their better days are behind them. Safety Roman Harper is productive in run support, but his advanced age and pass-coverage deficiencies will cost his roster spot. And besides, the future of All-Pro corner Josh Norman remains in question.
Because offensive tackle and wide receiver are bigger needs for Carolina, they will have plenty of opportunities to address defensive back in the draft if they choose to.
