Carolina Panthers 2016 NFL Draft Grades: Replacing Norman

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Vernon Butler (Louisiana Tech) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Carolina Panthers as the number thirty overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Vernon Butler (Louisiana Tech) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Carolina Panthers as the number thirty overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
1 of 6
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Vernon Butler (Louisiana Tech) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Carolina Panthers as the number thirty overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Vernon Butler (Louisiana Tech) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Carolina Panthers as the number thirty overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Coming off a Super Bowl runner-up season, the Panthers entered the draft looking for that extra push. They return many weapons, but lose one of the game’s top cornerbacks Josh Norman. GM Dave Gettleman was able to address his team’s needs and got who he wanted. Carolina had five picks and are hoping they can help the team reach the Super Bowl once again, but with a different result. Gettleman focused heavily on the defensive side of things, but also gave Cam Newton a new target.

  • Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
  • James Bradberry, CB, Samford
  • Daryl Worley, CB, West Virginia
  • Zack Sanchez, CB, Oklahoma
  • Beau Sandland, TE, Montana State

How did the 2015 runner-ups do in the draft? Here are the Carolina Panthers draft grades.

Next: First Round