NFL Draft 2018: Five best picks of the first round

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COLLEGE PARK, MD – OCTOBER 14: D.J. Moore #1 of the Maryland Terrapins celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Northwestern Wildcats on October 14, 2017 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) /

3. DJ Moore – Carolina Panthers

Heading into the Draft, it seemed the Carolina Panthers would be forced to select a cornerback or safety due to their position in the first round. It didn’t look like a top quality wideout would still be on the board at no. 24. Fortunately for Cam Newton, that thinking was wrong.

The Panthers made the opportunistic move to scoop up Maryland wideout DJ Moore when he fell to them. It’s hard to imagine a better fit for the Panthers offense. Newton has excellent targets in the form of tight end Greg Olsen and wide receiver Devin Funchess. Torrey Smith could emerge as a third option, but the Panthers were clearly in the market for a long-term solution to their receiver issues.

In particular, Moore will be the perfect foil for Funchess as Newton’s top two outside receivers. Moore has the ability to threaten a defense deep, but that’s not what he does best. He really excels making things happen after the catch. As soon as he secures the ball he magically transforms into a running back. That’s a quality Cam Newton will love.

The Panthers still have plenty of work to do in subsequent rounds of this year’s Draft, but it’s hard to argue with their start. DJ Moore will help Newton open up the Panthers offense like never before. Taking pressure off the franchise quarterback is a good idea for any franchise with Super Bowl aspirations.