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2017 NFL Draft Team Needs: Breaking Down All 32 Teams

By George Stockburger

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 5, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Statue of owner Jerry Richardson next to the Panther on display during FanFest at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 5, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Statue of owner Jerry Richardson next to the Panther on display during FanFest at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina Panthers

Key Draft Needs: CB, OL, RB

Record: 6-8

Cornerback – Removing the franchise tag from Josh Norman may have been the worst decision made by the Carolina front office. Instead of swallowing their pride and paying Norman for one season, the Panthers brass wanted to make a statement and not pay the top cornerback in the NFL. With rookies starting nearly every week, the Panthers defense has struggled to stop the pass.

Nov 6, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive end William Hayes (95) attempts to sack Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during a NFL football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Panthers defeated the Rams 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive end William Hayes (95) attempts to sack Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during a NFL football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Panthers defeated the Rams 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Line – Cam Newton has been constantly pounded behind his offensive line, and has been vocally displeased with how many times he takes large hits. Replacing the pending free agent Mike Remmers at left tackle is the first step in protecting the Panthers franchise quarterback. Backups Ryan Wendell and Chris Scott will also be entering free agency, making the need on the offensive line even greater.

Running Back –  For years people have talked about replacing Jonathan Stewart in Carolina. While Stewart is certainly not the worst starter in the NFL, an upgrade can be made. With a running back class as deep as the 2017 one, the Panthers can find a starting running back in the third or fourth round.

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