Written by: Matthew Blunk
Change was the theme of the 2011
Carolina Panthers. John Fox and his lame-duck staff were replaced by Ron
Rivera and his. The Jimmy Era ended pretty much even before it began,
as the Panthers selected Auburn hero Cam Newton
with their first overall pick in the draft. Newton came in with
tempered expectations - a guy who won the BCS Championship, yes, but did
so in a college offensive system with very little reads for a quarterback.
Newton
shined, though, exceeded everyone's expectations (well, maybe just
meeting Warren Moon's), and went on to be named the Offensive
Rookie of the Year. Carolina tripled its win total from 2011 and now
some are looking for the team to take the next step. In order to do
that, they will have to get better. Better players, better depth. The
2012 NFL Draft is just days away. Here's where the Panthers can improve
the most:
Wide Receiver
Steve Smith's still got it, but
he's only one man. Carolina hasn't been able to find his complement
since Muhsin Muhammad retired. There's going to be plenty of talented
wideouts available in the draft, and you can expect one of them to land
on the Panthers' roster when all is said and done. Newton needs better weapons at his disposal if he is to progress as a pro passer (say that five times fast).
Defensive Tackle
Some
might say defensive end is a greater need than tackle, but at least the
Panthers have Charles Johnson on the edge. They have practically nobody
on the interior. Sione Fua, Ron Edwards, and Terrell McClain are the
cream of the crop at this position - on the Panthers' roster. Help is
desperately needed here.
Cornerback
Chris Gamble is
getting old (aren't we all?) and doesn't have a lot of skilled running
mates. Captain Munnerlyn at best is a nickel corner. Brandon Hogan is a
guy with some upside, but how quickly can he put it together? I'd wager
Carolina will take a cornerback early in the draft, for they need one
desperately.
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