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2018 NFL Draft: Biggest need for each team

By Conor Dorney

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 08: Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn (77) looks on during the College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs on January 8, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 08: Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn (77) looks on during the College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs on January 8, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Carolina Panthers: Guard

It could be argued that the Panthers will look hard at a top-flight receiver to pair with Devin Funchess and Curtis Samuel, but the departure of left guard Andrew Norwell in free agency may very well be a more significant need heading into this draft.

Norwell ranked as Pro Football Focus’ third-best offensive guard in the NFL last season and the depth at the position in this draft could outweigh the need to overdraft a wide receiver. Notre Dame’s Quenton Nelson will be long gone by the time Carolina goes on the clock, but names like UTEP’s Will Hernandez and Georgia’s Isaiah Wynn could all represent solid replacements as plug-and-play starters from day one.

Hernandez is a particularly nasty run blocker who has just the type of demeanor that head coach Ron Rivera would love to add to the Carolina offense. Wynn has some line flexibility after playing left tackle for Georgia last season, more reason why he could also be a distinct possibility to fill the void left behind by Norwell.

Carolina ended last season with the fourth-best per game rushing mark in the NFL (131.4 yards per game) and will need to continue that success on the ground in order for quarterback Cam Newton to bounce back from a disappointing 2017 campaign. The addition of an interior presence on the inside will help to open up for last year’s first-round pick, Christian McCaffrey, as well as protecting Newton. The NFC South figures to be one of the toughest divisions in football again next season, and Carolina will need a strong draft in order to return to the playoffs.

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