CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Carolina PanthersA host of quarterbacks were on hand this week in preparation for the upcoming NFL draft, including the top three prospects in Liberty’s Malik Willis, Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett and Ole Miss’ Matt Corral.
Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder, North Carolina’s Sam Howell, Western Kentucky’s Bailey Zappe and Nevada’s Carson StrongThey also visited Bank of America Stadium. However, they are unlikely to be available if Carolina is looking to fill that need beyond the first round.
Willis and Pickett are also available. candidates for Carolina at No. 6If Scott Fitterer trades back, the general manager will be able to place him elsewhere in the first round.
The Panthers also are entertaining the top left tackles — they met with Alabama’s Evan Neal and Mississippi State’s Charles Cross this week, and N.C. State’s Ikem EkwonuNext week, as candidates at No. 6.
It’s a busy time for third-year Carolina coach Matt Rhule and Fitterer, who is entering his second season as GM. But they’d rather be busy than the way the offseason has been the past two years with the COVID-19 pandemic turning pre-draft preparation into virtual visits and phone calls.
They will not get a spring break.
Rhule is very grateful for this opportunity. His process of building a group is centered around personal relationships. He hasn’t had this kind of access to draft candidates since being hired in January 2021.
“That's a really important part of this that got lost the last few years, to be honest with you,’’ Rhule recently said.
The normality of this offseason has helped Rhule and Fitterer better define what to do, regardless of whether it’s a quarterback or tackle.
It’s also helped define the rest of the roster through free agency. Here’s a position-by-position look at the roster heading into the draft:
Quarterback
Sam Darnold, P.J. Walker
It’s clear Darnold isn’t the answer after three failed seasons with the New York JetsCarolina's 4-7 record last season. He’s on the roster simply because his fifth-year option was picked up a year ago when the Panthers traded for him. Walker is best considered a backup.
Fitterer stated that he will add another quarterback. Fitterer was willing give up three picks in first rounds, players, and additional picks to add a former quarterback. Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun WatsonHe eventually went to the Cleveland Browns. He’s strongly considering drafting one in first round, something the Panthers haven't done since Cam NewtonThis was the top-rated pick for 2011.
Running back
Christian McCaffrey, D’Onta Foreman, Chuba Hubbard, Darius Bradwell, Spencer Brown
This position does not require any draft picks. McCaffrey, Foreman, and Hubbard are healthy and make this position one the most deep and talented on the roster. New offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo has created a power-run-based system.
Wide receiver
DJ Moore, Robby Anderson, Terrace Marshall Jr., Rashard Higgins, Brandon Zylstra, Shi Smith, C.J. Saunders, Aaron Parker
If Marshall Jr. makes a huge leap from Year 1 into Year 2, the top three will be solid. Don’t be surprised if the Panthers add another wide receiver for depth in the draft, which is deep at that position. Smith facing legal issuesThis may increase the urgency.
Tight end
Ian Thomas, Tommy Tremble, Colin Thompson, Stephen Sullivan, Giovanni Ricci(also available as a fullback).
Re-signing Thomas was one of Fitterer’s big moves before free agency, so the team believes in him as a blocker. Tremble also is a solid blocker and showed promise as receiver as a rookie, but not enough that the Panthers won’t look for a receiving tight end project in the lower rounds of the draft.
Offensive line
Tackles: Brady Christensen, Taylor Moton, Cameron Erving, Aaron Monteiro, Austen Pleasants
Guards: Austin Corbett, Pat Elflein, Dennis Daley, John Miller, Michael Jordan, Deonte Brown, Mike Horton
Center: Bradley Bozeman, Sam Tecklenburg
Bozeman and Corbett signed solidified the right and middle lines, which were already solid at right tackle with Moton. There are many good candidates for left guard. The biggest question is how Christensen will be able to hold the spot at left tackle. Rhule seems to think he can, but that doesn’t preclude taking one of the top tackles at No. 6. This is a very strong class. Carolina's run-game plans are best served by Ekwonu or Neal.
Protective line
Ends: Brian Burns, Yetur Gross-Matos, Marquis Haynes Sr., Frank Herron, Joe Jackson, Darryl Johnson, Austin Larkin
Tackle: Derrick Brown, Matt Ioannidis, Daviyon Nixon, Bravvion Roy, Phil Hoskins, Jacob Tuioti-Mariner
Ioannidis's free agency was crucial for the group's solidification of the middle. Finding another big body in the later rounds wouldn’t be a reach to add depth to this group.
Linebacker
Shaq Thompson, Frankie Luvu, Cory Littleton, Damien Wilson, Kamal Martin, Julian Stanford, Azur Kamara
The Panthers believe Luvu could replace 2021's sack leader Haason Reddick. Wilson and Littleton have been upgraded Jermaine CarterIn the middle. However, linebackers are also valuable for special teams so adding one in the middle or late rounds is a good idea.
Cornerback
Donte Jackson, Jaycee Horn, CJ Henderson, Rashaan Melvin, Keith Taylor Jr., Stantley Thomas-Oliver III, Chris Westry, Madre Harper
Jackson's long-term security was key to free agency. This group is arguably the most deepest on the team, as Horn recovers 100% from a broken foot and Henderson gets better after a year.
Safety
Jeremy Chinn, Xavier Woods, Sean Chandler, Kenny Robinson, Sam Franklin Jr., Juston Burris, Myles Hartsfield
This team should be stronger by adding Woods to Chinn. There is plenty of experience depth. However, a safety margin for special teams and development that is mid-to-late round is a strong option.
Special teams
Kicker: Zane Gonzalez, Lirim Hajrullahu
Punter: Johnny Hekker
Long snapper J.J. Jansen, Thomas Fletcher
This group is as solid as they come, thanks to Gonzalez's signing and Hecker's free agency.
