Carolina Panthers 2009 NFL Draft Needs

Written by Jimmy Boyd on April 17, 2009

panthers draft 41709 The Panthers won the tight NFC South in 2008 with a 12-4 mark, but if they are going to repeat they will need to do some damage on draft day. Jimmy Boyd takes a look at Carolina’s biggest draft needs, likely day 1 targets, and recent draft track record in this 2009 NFL draft preview.

Biggest Draft Needs – The Julius Peppers situation will most likely have the Panthers looking for a defensive end with their first pick in the draft. The team is also going to have to think about drafting a QB prospect to start grooming beneath Jake Delhomme, who finished last season with a dreadful five-interception performance in the playoffs. Getting younger in general has to be Carolina’s agenda right now. A long term plan behind the soon-to-be 36-year-old Mushin Muhammad at wide receiver is a need as well.

Likely Day 1 Targets – I expect the Panthers to go after a defensive end/tackle like Auburn’s Sen’Derrick Marks with their first pick in the draft. Marks has been described by scouts as explosive with a quick first step off the ball and strong enough to shoot the inside gap. He has great moves to beat offensive lineman one-on-one and is great at shedding blocks. The only knock is that Marks is a bit undersized at 6′1”, 294 pounds, but he looks like a solid fit for Carolina’s defensive scheme and could end up being a second round steal.

I’ll extend to Day 2 targets since the Panthers are without a first round pick. In the the third round, I expect them to go after a QB prospect like Sam Houston State’s Rhett Bomar. For those of you who have forgotten, Bomar was originally a top recruit at Oklahoma who was booted after accepting payment for a car dealership job in which he did no work. It appears the kid has put that behind him and I expect him to have a shot at becoming a good pro. Playing at Sam Houston State likely impeded his maturation process as a QB, but the talent is still there. He didn’t have much around him at Sam Houston State and still put up strong numbers.

Recent Draft Track Record – General Manager Marty Hurney is certainly a pro at putting together solid drafts. 2008 was certainly no exception. Running back Jonathan Stewart starred in a part-time role with 836 yards and 10 touchdowns. Tackle Jeff Otah aided the Panthers running attack as a strong right tackle. Cornerback Charles Godfrey won the starting job at free safety, finishing with 59 stops and an interception. It’s unfortunate that the Panthers won’t have any first rounders this season because Hurney has been brilliant at landing talent early. He nabbed defensive end Julius Peppers in 2002, offensive tackle Jordan Gross in 2003, cornerback Chris Gamble in 2004, outside linebacker Thomas Davis in 2005, running back DeAngelo Williams in 2006, and linebacker Jon Beason in 2007. Carolina’s second round picks have not been as solid with disasters such as running back Eric Shelton and center Bruce Nelson. Wide receiver Dwanye Jarrett looks to be on his way to joining that list.

Bet on the NFL with Jimmy Boyd’s NFL expert picks in 2009 for consistent winners against NFL spreads.

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