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2016 NFL offseason needs: Carolina Panthers

By Charles Rahrig V

Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts after the game against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 at Levi
Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts after the game against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 at Levi /
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Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Jehu Chesson (86) is unable to complete a pass while being defended by Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Eli Apple (13) during the game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Jehu Chesson (86) is unable to complete a pass while being defended by Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Eli Apple (13) during the game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

Draft Plan

The Panthers have a deep roster, but their areas of need are very clear: cornerback, edge rushers, offensive lineman and wide receivers.

A case could be made for maybe adding another running back with Jonathan Stewart getting older, so that position might be a deep-draft option. Whether or not they re-sign Josh Norman, the depth behind him isn’t good and the Panthers should target a cornerback early in the draft.

The Panthers should also take a long look at edge rushers early in the draft. Their front seven is imposing, but they could use more depth off the end. Kony Ealy looked good in the Super Bowl, but a team can never have enough guys that can get after the quarterback.

Carolina’s offensive line put together a great effort in 2015, and was arguably the team’s biggest strength. However, offensive line depth is always a good thing and bolstering the line with middle-round prospects would serve the team well going forward.

As previously mentioned, the Panthers also need more weapons on offense. Yes, Kelvin Benjamin will be back, and the other receivers on the roster did a good job last season, but there’s a lot of room for growth. In a draft that is incredibly deep with wideouts, picking a receiver at some point is a no-brainer.

Carolina is already a team that can contend for a Super Bowl, the trick is now fine-tuning for another run at the Lombardi Trophy.

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