Carolina Panthers 2018 NFL Draft tracker and highlights
Carolina Panthers 2018 NFL Draft tracker and highlights: After a down 2016, the Panthers bounced back in 2017. Can they continue to push in the tough South?
It was a tough year for the Panthers in 2016, losing the Super Bowl to the Denver Broncos in February, and following it up with a disappointing follow-up season to their NFC Championship run.
But after picking Christian McCaffrey in the top 10 of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Panthers bounced back and regained their reputation as one of the toughest teams in the NFC, getting a little more dynamic offensively and playing better on defense.
The Panthers have taken on some change over the past couple of years, but most of it for the better.
They suffered a tough blow this offseason when they lost who Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone called the best offensive guard in football, Andrew Norwell. They also lost former first round pick Star Lotulelei, but the Panthers didn’t stand pat this offseason and just watch all of this unfold.
They were aggressive in pursuit of a replacement for Lotulelei, signing defensive tackle Dontari Poe who played well for rival Atlanta this past season.
If Cam Newton can stay healthy, and the defense continues to play well, this Panthers team is going to be tough.
With the continued development of Christian McCaffrey, the Panthers’ offense should be really tough to defend against.
Here’s a quick recap of the Panthers’ offseason so far as well as their brand new 2018 NFL Draft selections…
Key Offseason Acquisitions
DT Dontari Poe (ATL); WR Jarius Wright (MIN); CB Ross Cockrell (NYG); S Da’Norris Searcy (TEN);
Key Offseason Subtractions
CB Daryl Worley, OG Andrew Norwell, RB Jonathan Stewart, DT Star Lotulelei, CB Teddy Williams, TE Ed Dickson, WR Kaelin Clay, WR Charles Johnson
2018 Draft Selections
1. 1st round, 24th overall: D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland
2. 2nd round, 55th overall: Donte Jackson, CB, LSU
3. 3rd round, 85th overall: Rashaan Gaulden. CB, Tennessee
4. 4th round, 101st overall: Ian Thomas, TE, Indiana
5. 4th round, 136th overall: Marquis Haynes, EDGE, Ole Miss
6. 5th round, 161st overall: Jermaine Carter, LB, Maryland
7. 6th round, 197th overall
8. 7th round, 234th overall
9. 7th round, 242nd overall
JUMP TO TEAM
CLE | NYG | NYJ | DEN | IND | TB | CHI | SF | OAK | MIA | BUF | WAS | GB | ARI | BAL | LAC | SEA | DAL | DET | CIN | NE | CAR | TEN | ATL | NO | PIT | JAX | MIN | PHI | HOU | LAR | KC