The Carolina Panthers overcame a disastrous 1-4 start to finish 7-10 last season. Fortunately, the Panthers organization was fed up with mediocrity and traded four draft picks and WR D.J. Moore to the Chicago Bears for the #1 pick in this year's NFL Draft. Carolina went all-in during the offseason with this trade and with the hiring of former Indianapolis head coach Frank Reich.
This much-needed optimism could lead to a turnaround for the Panthers this upcoming season. After the trade, Carolina had five picks remaining in the Draft. Here is a look at who were selected by the Panthers.
Round 1, Pick 1: Bryce Young - QB - Alabama. 5'10", 204 lbs (3,328 passing yds, 32 TD, 5 INT, 185 yds rushing, 4 rushing TD).
Young was the consensus #1 pick in all of the mock drafts before the NFL Draft. His ability to make all of the throws and his ability to use his scrambling allows for him to make big-yardage plays with his arm and his legs. He will start right away for the Panthers. If he is able to adapt quickly to the NFL, then Carolina will be in contention for the NFC South Division title.
Round 2, Pick 8: Jonathan Mingo - WR - Mississippi. 6'2", 220 lbs (51 rec, 861 yds, 5 TD).
Mingo has the size and the potential to become a high-level receiver. He more than likely will start right away after Moore was traded.
Round 3, Pick 17: D.J. Johnson - DE - Oregon. 6'4", 260 lbs (8.5 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 2 pass breakups).
Johnson will be given time to develop behind a strong rotation at defensive end. He could see some time as a strong-side defensive end that is able to disrupt plays.
Round 4, Pick 12: Chandler Zavala - G - North Carolina State. 6'3", 322 lbs.
Zavala adds extra depth to the offensive line.
Round 5, Pick 10: Jammie Robinson - S - Florida State. 5"11", 191 lbs (99 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 INT, 5 pass breakups).
Robinson will compete for a backup safety spot.
Overview: The last time the Carolina Panthers made the NFL Playoffs was in 2017. The defense is set, so Carolina had to go big in the Draft this time. Fortunately, they did with Young. Grade: B+.
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