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Carolina Panthers: 5 offseason needs

By John Buhler

Oct 16, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn (19) returns a kickoff in the second quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn (19) returns a kickoff in the second quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Robert Ayers Jr. (91) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) in the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Robert Ayers Jr. (91) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) in the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Interior offensive line depth

One area of focus the Panthers front office must zone in on this offseason is building a better pocket around Newton. Drafting big time player out college or signing a marquee free agent is paramount if Carolina wants Newton to ever be a consistent 60 percent passer.

Carolina has been predominantly a run-first team under head coach Ron Rivera. That’s fine, as Newton and the offense have been strong in moving the chains on the ground. It does help to have a stout defense backing them up on the other side of the ball.

However, eventually Newton is going to have to fully embrace being a pocket passer. He can his mobility for as long as he has it, but if he wants staying power into his mid-30s in the NFL, he’ll need to step into his throws and really drive the football down the field. No more lousy footwork!

Carolina is in position to pay top dollar for three of the best guards hitting free agency in T.J. Lang, Ronald Leary, and Kevin Zeitler. The Panthers can also land one of many stellar interior line prospects in the middle of their 2017 NFL Draft.

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