TE Nico Santiago headed to Carolina in hopes to bolster offense

by Crimsion | 8 years ago | 1 Comments

In an effort to build upon their most recent season the Carolina Panthers selected 6 players over the course of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Needs were addressed on both sides of the ball and here's a breakdown of the newest additions to the defending NFC South Champions.

Round 1 - TE - Nico Santiago - Oregon - 22 Years Old - 6'3" - 254lbs

Santiago may not have been the Panthers' first choice when it came to the 23rd overall pick, but Cam Newton now has another weapon in his arsenal. The 22-year old vertical threat was not ranked too highly on draft boards before the combine, but he was able to show out and garner more attention. 

In an offence like Carolina's Santiago will have many opportinuties to shine alongside Greg Olsen, starting day one and  especially with the run game being next to extinct when it comes to the Panthers. 

Round 2 - HB - DeAndre Trent - South Dakota - 22 Years Old - 6'3" - 230lbs

Coming out of a small program like South Dakota is never easy, but DeAndre Trent turned some heads this past season and found himself on a Panthers' squad that desperately needs an identity when it comes to the run game.

Trent is not a shifty back, but more of a between the tackles bruiser, the 22-year old will add an element that the Panthers thought they had in 2nd year player Kevin Barnard, he may not come into camp as the number one back, but certainly has an opportunity to beat out the likes of Barnard and Terrence West.

Round 4 - OLB -  Jerel Pitts - North Carolina - 24 Years Old - 5'11" - 249lbs

Pitts is no stranger to the atmosphere in Carolina, attending college locally at UNC and he won't have to move much as he'll begin his NFL career nearby.

Although the Panthers do have depth at linebacker this is a defence that can use all the help it can gets, wether Pitts gets time to shine or not his presence will be valued.

Round 5 - CB - Patrick Nielsen - Lafayette - 21 Years Old - 6'0" - 185lbs

Nielsen is a very raw talent coming into the NFL, but he couldn't have found himself in a better situation when it comes to mentors. Veteran DB Johnathan Joseph will spend the year teaching the likes of Bradberry, Worley and Nielsen the tips and tricks of the trade.

With a handful of talent and apart of a tight-knit young core Nielsen won't have high expecations at first, but has the ability to become something special if he can work on his play recognition. 

Round 6 - QB - Dustin Goldberg - UAB - 22 Years Old - 6'1" - 224lbs

He may have been taken in order for Carolina to roster three quarterbacks there's no saying what could come of a raw talent like Goldberg. His size doesn't match up with current Panthers' QB Cam Newton, but his speed is certainly on par and he could be utlized in other ways within this offensive scheme. 

Round 7 - WR - Marcus Bingham - Illinois - 21 Years Old - 5'8" - 184lbs

Coming out of college a big concern for Bingham was his size, standing a whopping 5'8. The Illinois man blew that speculation out of the water with his combine performance, showing he can take the top off a defence with elite speed.

With Ted Ginn Jr. fighting a losing battle with father time this pick here for the Panthers could usher in a new era of speed in Carolina.