NFL Draft Info - Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers have several needs heading into the 2010 draft. Rather than doing a true mock just yet (as there are several events that could shape the Panthers' draft) what I am going to do is show a 'depth chart' of sorts regarding how I think the Panthers should draft, and why.

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1. WR

It became abundantly clear during the 2009 season that the Panthers are in desperate need of another elite WR to pair with Steve Smith. Dwayne Jarrett didn't pan out, and Muhsin Muhammad has reached the point where he will be more effective as a #3 WR than a #2. The Panthers must use their 1st pick on a WR to help their offense be multi dimensional.

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2. DT

The Panthers were stacking DTs for much of the 2009 season. After losing Maake Kemoeatu during training camp, then 3rd round pick Corvey Irvin during the preseason the Panthers began to clutch at straws. They traded a conditional pick to Cleveland for Louis Leonard, they traded a 5th round pick to Kansas City for Tank Tyler and they signed Hollis Thomas. With the exception of Tyler the Panthers have a very old group of players at the position. Even if Irvin returns strong the Panthers will need to address the position.

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3. DE *

This is the only position with an asterisk. This is completely predicated on whether or not Julius Peppers returns in 2010. If the Panthers can resign him then there is no need for this pick, but that seems unlikely.

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4. QB

The 2010 draft is QB heavy. Where once this position would have been cemented at #1 with Matt Moore playing effectively down the stretch the need for a QB is lessened. The Panthers should take a falling player later in the draft for some depth.

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5. OL

Every season the Panthers need more depth at OL. They should take another OL just to sure up the roster for the future.

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6. CB

To keep ahead of the curve the Panthers should draft another CB for added depth. Hopefully netting one with some KR experience.

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7. LB

Again drafting for a position of strength I believe the Panthers should take another LB to ensure they stay on top.