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5 teams that won the NFL Draft

By Rucker Haringey

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: A video board displays an image of Montez Sweat of Mississippi State after he was chosen #26 overall by the Washington Redskins during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: A video board displays an image of Montez Sweat of Mississippi State after he was chosen #26 overall by the Washington Redskins during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – APRIL 25: Brian Burns poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being drafted by the Carolina Panthers on day 1 of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – APRIL 25: Brian Burns poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being drafted by the Carolina Panthers on day 1 of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

2. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers entered this draft with two clear priorities: They needed to add a potential star at edge rusher and a tackle that could upgrade the protection for Cam Newton. Carolina answered both needs with their first two selections.

Brian Burns ran hot and cold at Florida State, but his talent is obvious. The fact that he’s put on weight after college should encourage Panthers fans about how serious he’s taking his career. He’ll get a good chance to earn a starting spot as a rookie.

The Panthers paid a hefty price to move up in Round 2 to snag Greg Little, but it was a price worth paying for one of the most talented tackles in the class. He was inconsistent at Ole Miss, but if the Carolina coaching staff can harness his athleticism they could have a Pro Bowler on their hands.

Drafting a quarterback in Round 3 drew some eyebrows around the league, but Will Grier finally gives the Panthers a quality backup for Newton. That was an underrated weakness for this team over the last few seasons. If he can develop into a starting caliber player down the line it will be a bonus.

Being able to snap up Christian Miller in Round 4 might be the best pick of the class for general manager Marty Hurney and company. He will get a lot of snaps in Ron Rivera’s revamped defense.

This isn’t a huge class, but it’s full of impact players for the Panthers. The team did a terrific job of threading the needle between filling their needs and taking the best player available.

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