Carolina finished 11-5 last season, and are going through a controversial ownership change, so the message was clear for this draft...stay under the radar, and let's get business as normal out as the message. The Panthers had 8 picks this draft. Here is how I have graded those picks:
WR DJ Moore, Maryland
Some felt Moore was the best receiver in this draft. I don't happen to share that sentiment, but I will say that we have never seen him work with a top flight QB before. What he is, is a damned good receiver who we have not seen the best of. Solid value near the end of the 1st round as well.
Grade: A
CB Donte Jackson, LSU
CB was a major priority need for the Panthers, and they were patient and landed a quality pick here in the 2nd round, which gives this player excellent value, as he was graded there as well. Two priority needs met in two picks, and at great value so far.
Grade: A
S Rashaan Gaulden, Tennessee
The Panthers went off the rails at this point, drafting a Safety, which was a priority need, but who was graded as a fifth round selection by most. A massive reach for a player who may not live up to this pick.
Grade: D
TE Ian Thomas, Indiana
TE was not a direct priority, but finding new weapons for Cam Newton was, so this makes sense on several levels, and they got him late after he fell from a 2nd round grade to being a 4th round selection. I have no issues here.
Grade: B
DE/OLB Marquis Haynes, Ole Miss
Drafting Haynes was the first shot at addressing the DL position, but what you get here is a pass rush specialist who gives nothing against the run. Since LB was a need as well, I give a pass, but this guy maxes out as a 3rd down sub package pass rusher, and that's it.
Grade: B
LB Jermaine Carter, Maryland
The Panthers burned a valuable 5th round pick on Carter, who was graded out as a Priority Free Agent. Not a great use of the pick here based on who was still available. Not smart at all.
Grade: F
LB Andre Smith, North Carolina
Again, I know who was still available here, and Smith lost all but two games of 2017 to a knee injury, and was a fringe player prior to that. Even for a 7th rounder, that does not make a ton of sense to me.
Grade: D
Priority Needs Filled In First Two Days: 3
Total Points: 16
Point Average: 2.29
Grade: C-
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