Panthers re-tool with WR Wallce, RE Smith; select 10th overall
by Crimsion | 9 years ago | 1 Comments
Following their 6-10 finish the Carolina Panthers knew they needed to re-boot on both sides of the ball during both the free agency period and NFL Draft. With the 10th overall selection Carolina was in a position to draft a game changer on both offense or defense. Both Greg Olsen and Johnathan Stewart are aging well, butthey could give Cam Newton another younger weapon alongside Kelvin Benjamin and Sedrick Blue, or add another pass rusher/ defensive back to this ever growing defence.
As the Free Agency Period rolled through the Panthers found themselves making some solid choices and picking up major pieces for both Cam and Luke Kuechly to benefit from.
WR - Mike Wallace - 81 Catches - 1.025 Yards (8 TDs)
Wallace will likely serve as Carolina's #2 wideout this upcoming season, pushing Devin Funchess for the time being, but working alongside a verteran of Wallace's caliber will only help this young developing receving core in Carolina.
RE - Chris Smith - 15 Tackles - 2 Sacks
Last season was one to forget for this former Jacksonville Jaguar, but he'll certainly get a chance to redeem himself this season as he is slotted in to become a starter in Carolina. At the ripe age of 26 Smith now has a chance to solidify himself into a system he can strive in for seasons to come.
Other Noteable Signings
TE - Mychal Rivera (2 Catches, 22 Yards)
HB - Matt Jones (3 Att., 21 Yards)
ROLB - Dannell Ellerbe (39 Tackles, 5 Sacks, 2 FF)
WR - Armanti Edwards (--)
QB - Logan Thomas (3/7, 43 Yards, 1 TD)
Draft Results
The Carolina Panthers had the unfortunate luxury of selecting within the top 10 in the 2018 NFL Draft, but were lucky enough to fill most of their glairing needs through free agency. Although the former New Orleans Saint, Dannell Ellerbe was slated to be the teams problem solver alongside A.J. Klein when it came to their hole at linebacker, they couldn't pass up one of the best college linebackers from last season when he fell into their lap.
Jason McDonald, the 7th best player according to Mayock's draft board, was there for the taking at #10 and the Panthers did not hesistate. The 23-year old out of Auburn will be able to provide the Panthers with yet another sure tackler inside the box, and a solid pass rusher with it comes to the right side. McDonald could be the piece that the Panthers need to get back into the thick of things.
Draft Picks
Round 1 - ROLB - Jason McDonald - Auburn (81)
Round 3 - SS - Herve Lumpkin - UConn (68)
Round 5 - MLB - Kristoff Thomas - Princeton (62)
Round 6 - DT - Nathan Thomas - Ohio State (64)
Round 7 - HB - DJ Drake - Pittsburgh (63)
