If you have watched the Carolina Panthers at all in the last few years, you know that the biggest area of instability has
been the running game. And that’s odd, considering how much they like to run the ball. They have had a different leading rusher every year for the last 5-6 years. DeShaun Foster is a good back, but one who has had all kinds of injury problems, as has the rest of the RB corps. Enter DeAngelo Williams. Over 6000 yards in college just screams durable. It also screams ability. The kid can flat out play, and the fact that he slipped so far down in the first round worked out like a dream come true for the Panthers.
After losing two players from the secondary in Wesley and Manning, the Panthers really needed to make a good pick to fill some of those holes. Richard Marshall was a great selection for that purpose, and another guy who probably slid a little further than he was expected to go. He is a big, tall, tackling CB that Carolina is really happy to get.
Jeff King hopes to fill the void left by Wesley Walls a few years ago. Last season, the top 3 receiving options were Steve Smith, Steve Smith, then Steve Smith. When Carolina had Walls, he was used quite a bit, and the fact that they haven’t had a good catching TE has limited the offense a little over the past few seasons. Look for King to work his way into the lineup sooner than later.
All in all, we love what the Panthers were able to accomplish in this draft, with the picks listed above and also addressing LB needs. Good job!