2017 NFL Draft: Carolina Panthers final grade

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Mar 3, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State wide receiver Curtis Samuel speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Second Round

Curtis Samuel

Wide Receiver, Ohio State Buckeyes

Gettleman did what he tends to do. If his team has a dire need to get better, he will use his first two picks to address it. He did it with Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short in 2013 to rebuild his defensive line. In 2017, Gettleman brought in McCaffrey and Samuel to be more explosive in space.

While McCaffrey is more of a running back than anything, Samuel would classify more as a receiver. He’s more likely to play outside the numbers than McCaffrey, which is a good thing, as losing Ted Ginn Jr. to the rival New Orleans Saints isn’t one bit good. Samuel and McCaffrey will create matchup problems in tandem, both in the slot and in the box.

Taylor Moton

Offensive Tackle, Western Michigan Broncos

Using a late second-round pick to improve the Panthers’ iffy offensive line was a smart move. Taylor Moton was a big reason that the Western Michigan Broncos had the special year they did last season. In a terrifyingly weak offensive line class, Moton was one of the more steady second-tier edge setters. He could be a starter up front for the Panthers for the next decade.

Third Round

Daeshon Hall

Defensive End, Texas A&M Aggies

Before there was Myles Garrett, there was a guy named Daeshon Hall doing work in College Station for the Texas A&M Aggies. Garrett’s undeniable talent overshadowed the fine work that Hall was doing in the SEC. At the 2017 Reese’s Senior Bowl, Hall was one of the more impressive edge rushers. Carolina could use another edge player any way. Not a bad pick at all for Carolina at No. 77 in the third round.

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