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2007 Carolina Panthers NFL Draft Predictions

View our 2008 Carolina Panthers Predictions & NFL Picks!The Panthers were a preseason favorite to win Super Bowl XLI, but Carolina saw key injuries that ended all hopes last season. With the 14th overall pick, the Panthers are one of those teams that could go any direction with their selection. They have more needs than they ever imagined heading into last season. More than likely it will be a defensive pick, as the once-feared unit has some big holes to fill.

The Panthers struggled mightily in the secondary. Cornerback Ken Lucas was bothered by numerous injuries last year, while Chris Gamble seemed to get worse with every pass thrown his way. 33-year-old Mike Minter has lost a step at safety and Shaun Williams proved why the Giants let him go in the offseason. LSU's LaRon Landry would be their 1 st target in the draft, but he will likely be gone by the 14th pick. Florida's Reggie Nelson or Texas' Michael Griffin would be fine selections at the safety position if that is the case.

Dan Morgan suffered his 5th concussion at the middle linebacker position, surrounding the coaching staff with uncertainty about the rest of his career. He used to be one of the most feared linebackers in the league, but now he may just be a liability for Carolina. He only played in one game last season. If Carolina decides to fill this position via draft, SEC stars Patrick Willis from Mississippi and Brandon Siler from Florida would be likely targets.

The Panthers' offensive line was literally a sore spot for the team. Left tackle Travelle Wharton for his ACL in the first game, and the Panthers finished the year with three of their five offensive-line starters on the injured reserve by the end of the season. There is no guarantee that Wharton will return to 100 percent, so look for a few linemen to be added in the draft. The Panthers need some depth at this position incase they are as unlucky with injuries as they were a year ago.

Head coach John Fox has a run-first philosophy that did not pan out in 2006. The tailbacks were half the blame. Stephen Jackson was cut to open the door for DeSharun Foster, who struggled at times and only finished with 3 rushing touchdowns. Carolina drafted DeAngelo Williams last year as their first-round pick, showing flashes of brilliance late in the season. Neither back has proven that they can carry the load for an entire season though. It may be worth a middle-round pick if Rutgers' Brian Leonard is still available. Leonard could provide the bruising attack that Fox is accustomed to, finishing at the goal line where Stephen Davis used to excel.

It is also likely that the Panthers will draft a quarterback and receiver at some point. Jake Delhomme is in no danger of losing his job for now, but an inconsistent 2006 may force Fox to heighten the competition. Steve Smith no longer is on special teams to try and cut down on his time missed from injury. The Panthers could shock the experts by taking someone like Ted Ginn Jr. from Ohio State if he is still available in the first round. It would be tough for the Panthers to pass up on a speedster with the potential that Ginn Jr. possesses. But defensive backs are a must for Carolina in the 2007 Draft.

Updated April 27th, 2007