Carolina Panthers 1st Round Options: 2013 NFL Draft

Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl north squad defensive back Desmond Trufant of Washington (6) prior to kickoff of a game against the Senior Bowl south squad at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Desmond Trufant – Chris Gamble has quietly been one of the better CB’s in this league for a long time. However in the offseason the Panthers cut him. They retained Captain Munnerlyn in the offseason but he isn’t a #1 CB. They signed Drayton Florence and D.J. Moore this offseason but again neither of them are true #1 CBs. Trufant has the ability to come in and be that #1 CB the Panthers need. He showed at the combine that he has the speed to cover the faster WRs in the NFL. He has really fluid footwork and foot agility to drive quickly on plays. He isn’t very good in the run game however.

November 3, 2012; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Tavon Austin (1) returns a kick-off against the TCU Horned Frogs during the second quarter at Milan Puskar Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Tavon Austin – Outside of Steve Smith, Cam Newton hasn’t had any weapons to work with. If they want Newton to take that next step and be an elite QB they have to get him some weapons to work with. Austin is the most explosive player in this entire draft. He showed that game agter game after game at West Virginia. He can change directions on a dime and make defenders look foolish, just ask Kenny Vaccaro. If he gets though a hole and gets the edge, no one is catching him. Period. He is very versatile, he can take snaps at the running back position and the wide receiver position. He is small, which can cause durability concerns. He gives a strong effort as a blocker, but his size limits what he can do.

Oct 13, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Jonathan Cooper (64) during a game against the Miami Hurricanes at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Cooper – The right guard position can still be upgraded on that offensive line, which would help open up running lanes for that good trio of running backs as well as Cam Newton. Cooper is a very good athlete who can pull and get outside to block. He also gets to the second level as well as any guard coming out recently. Is as effective moving to his left as he is to his right. Plays extremely well in tight quarters, he shows explosive quickness and moves effortlessly. Cooper lacks that elite strength that Warmack shows, but he is more athletic. Occasionally allows his pad level to rise.
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