Carolina Panthers 2018 Draft Class Review

With the 2018 NFL Draft behind us, it’s time to begin the review process on how each team stacks up with the selections they’ve made. While the Panthers are an interesting bunch, their recent draft class definitely showed some intriguing prospects upon further review and analysis. Adding weapons for Cam Newton while shoring up a defensive unit that is very strong and only looks to get better, let’s review… 

Carolina Panthers 2018 Draft Class Review:

Round 1 – Pick 24 (24)

D.J Moore (WR)

By some measure, D.J Moore was ranked in some instances as the 2018 NFL draft top prospect at the receiver position. ADF tends to argue that, while Moore is very good, he may not be the best receiver to come out of this class. Either way, there’s a lot to like about Moore’s game, and he should make an instant impact on an offense in need of supporting pieces to lead the charge. D.J possesses good size and is rather speedy with solid route running ability that should give him the upper hand against many of the top defensive backs in the NFL. Moore has great strengths as a receiver with an impressive first step off the line making him very adept at beating press coverage.

In his final season in college, Moore finally found his stride putting together his best in terms of production hitting over 1000 yards for the first time in his career. Posting 80 receptions in that junior year was a direct correlation to more advantageous scheming to get the ball in his hands in open space in hopes he could generate plays, which he did. Moore began to make waves this year as his progression was a key factor for scouts to take notice in thoughts his skills would translate over nicely in the NFL. While some believe D.J would be better suited in the slot, ADF is a firm believer that Moore can actively become a difference maker in both the slot and the outside. Playing in Carolina with the many weapons they possess, Moore should fit in perfectly from day one helping the offense take the next step.   

ADF Prediction: Moderate potential/good upside.

Round 2 – Pick 23 (55)

Donte Jackson (DB)

The Panthers have seemingly been looking for an appropriate replacement to Josh Norman since he left town these many years ago. Could Donte Jackson become the dominate force in coverage greatly needed to propel this defense into the next level of being elite? Jackson first and foremost jumps out on tape with his tremendous speed and athletic ability that could rival the best in the NFL in that department. Running an absolute blistering 40 time of 4.32 at the combine showed how he was able to make plays on the ball time after time. Having recorded 4 interceptions and 19 pass breakups in his time at LSU, Jackson still leaves a bit on the field making you wish for more. Most scouts put giant red flags on his strength, or lack thereof, and we tend to agree. While Donte could easily run step for step with the fastest in the league, he will struggle immensely in press coverage and shedding blocks for the opposition in the run game. Only being able to muster 7 reps on the bench was clear proof the nutrition plan and weight room schedule will be a top priority once he gets to Carolina.

With that said, a few items Jackson will have to iron out but ADF believes he could become a very dangerous defender for the Panthers.   

ADF Prediction: Moderate potential, improvements required.

Round 3 – Pick 21 (85)

Rashaan Gaulden (DB)

Recognizing their greatest weakness remains on the backend of the defense, the Panthers drafted another defensive back this time in potential corner/safety Rashaan Gaulden. While his speed could be somewhat of an issue in the NFL, he has ability to play close to the line or back off in coverage with his above average tackling ability. Much like Donte Jackson, Rashaan will have to spend some much needed time in the weight room bulking up to increase his strength to better position himself to take on a starting role.

ADF believes Gaulden should have a clear role on special teams from day one and should have a role in sub packages with his good skill on the line. 

ADF Prediction: Moderate/low potential.

Round 4 – Pick 1 (101)

Ian Thomas (TE)

Understanding their need to address the future of the tight end position with the potential of Greg Olsen retiring in the next year or two, Carolina drafted Ian Thomas a player that doesn’t give up and is dedicated to his craft. Thomas has great size and appropriate speed to handle a full time role as an NFL tight end and should impress in camp showing good potential to eventually challenge for a starting spot in the future. While his ability looks good on film, Thomas will have to learn the position at the pro level to become a true all-around player as his blocking skills are subpar, and could use time perfecting his route run ability and disguising in run-release plays. ADF does like what Ian Thomas can bring to the fold but he is nothing more than a project player at the start of his career.

ADF Prediction: Backup role to start his career.

Round 4 – Pick 36 (136)

Marquis Haynes (DE)

While some scouts have Haynes pegged as an outside line backer, ADF believes he would be better suited to play with his hand in the dirt rushing off the edge. Haynes has good ability but will require some refinement like most prospects understanding how to adequately apply their talent in the most conducive ways for success. ADF does question the size of Marquis in both height and weight as they both don’t fit the prototypical stature desired to play defensive end, which is why some see Haynes as an outside line backer, arguments are definitely noted by ADF.  Haynes looks the part of a role player with backup potential and rotational sub package installations to begin his career. Fierce competition should keep him on the bench more often than not in year one and maybe year two.   

Round 5 – Pick 24 (161)

Jermaine Carter (LB)

Continuing down the path of adding more depth to a defense that is clearly a top unit in the NFL, the Panthers chose tackling machine in former Maryland product Jermaine Carter. Carter amassed 320 tackles in his four-year career with almost 30 of them going behind the line for loss. Carter also added a healthy 8 forced fumbles in that time while adding 9.5 sacks. Some scouts believe that Carter doesn’t have the size to man the middle line backer spot, but ADF sees this extremely different as Jermaine is just a solid playmaker. Carter also tested fairly well showing that he could be more athletic than some give him credit for. With the pending suspension to Thomas Davis, Carter could be leaned upon to fill the void in sub packages while housing a special teams spot from day one. This could be a solid pick for the future.      

Round 7 – Pick 16 (234)

Andre Smith (LB)

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the Panthers again chose defense in the form of another middle line backer, this time in Andre Smith formally of North Carolina. Smith is categorized as another smaller inside presence that has great ability in tackling and finding ball carriers with ease. Its quite clear at this point that Smith won’t be able to help in passing situations as no one is praising his ability in coverage. Smith will attempt to show-out in camp in hopes to gain a special teams advantage while carving out a positing. Teams with depth do very well these days in the NFL and the Panthers are definitely adding to a position of strength on the team.    

Round 7 – Pick 24 (242)

Kendrick Norton (DT)

With their last pick in the 2018 draft, the Panthers select a straight line defensive tackle to help stop the run. Norton has great size to man the middle of the line as he just continues to dish out punishment making all offensive lines take notice to send blockers his way. Norton will never become a noticeable difference maker on any line, but the amount of attention he draws allows for others to take advantage when rushing the quarterback. Norton could easily find his way to making the roster with the potential to play sparingly this season and into the future.  

2018 Undrafted Free Agent Signings

Cole Luke, CB, Notre Dame

Ben Boulware, LB, Clemson

Bryan Cox, Jr., DE, Florida

Fred Ross, WR, Mississippi State

Austin Duke, WR, Charlotte