Panthers top 5 draft targets

[Jeremy Igo]

As the NFL Draft is one month away, I thought I would lay out for you who I believe are the Carolina Panthers top targets are in round 1. I've crunched the numbers, looked at the fit, checked the visitations, and listened to the whispers.  

 

So without further ado.... 

 

 

Carolina Panthers Round 1 Possibilities

 

Andrus Peat - OT - Stanford

A NFL ready tackle that stands 6'7 and weighs 315 pounds. Have you heard the Panthers are in need of an offensive tackle? Yeah? Well, this could be the guy. It is somewhat doubtful that Peat lasts until pick 25, but it is possible. If he is there, he is the pick. 

 

Todd Gurley - RB - Georgia

Aside from the injury, there isn't much not to love about this kid. The future of Jonathan Stewart is less than certain for next season. Gurley is one of the more talented runners to come out of the draft in years. If he should fall to 25, Gettleman would have a tough time not selecting him. Huge value at 25. 

 

Landon Collins - S - Alabama

Had a nice meeting with the Panthers a while back. He is a prototypical Ron Rivera strong safety, that is to say he is aggressive against the run. Many will tell you he can't cover, but don't listen to them. You aren't rated the #1 safety in the draft if you cannot play in the defensive backfield. Could replace Roman Harper on day 1. 

 

Jaelen Strong - WR - Arizona St

As stated in my current receiver depth chart, the Panthers are without a solid #2 receiver to compliment Kelvin Benjamin. Well, Jaelen Strong could be the ideal guy at pick 25 to fill that need. Not the fastest receiver in the draft, but makes up for it in routes, hands, work ethic, and instincts. Gettleman prefers these types of players as seen in previous drafts. (insert "the game is not played in underwear" audio clip)

 

Cedric Ogbuehi - OT - Texas A&M

An offensive tackle with a torn ACL in round 1? Yes, it could happen. If none of the above prospects are available in round 1, I feel the Panthers are interested enough in Ogbuehi to select him. If not for the ACL injury, Cedric is easily a top 10 pick. Like Gurley, it would be hard for Gettleman to pass up this kind of value. Remember, Gettleman is a 5 year plan guy. Selecting a player that may not play his rookie year is very possible. 

 

 

So there you have it, five guys I feel have a good shot at being selected in round 1 by the Panthers. 

 

 

 

[Nick_81]

This board my implode when our first pick is made...

[Moorgan]

It seems like those are in order of precedence. Or maybe that's me. Honestly, I'd be comfortable and happy with every single one of those picks. Different expectations for each of course. But each would be a good addition now or in the future based on potential and past production.

[Panthro]

I agree completely

 

One caveat,...If Flowers is there then he is def thrown into the discussion. I don't think he will be though

 

 

[Toker Smurf]

You think they take Ogbuehi over Flowers, if they're both available?

Have they met with Strong? Hadn't seen that anywhere.

[chknwing]

I swear to god if they take Cedric Ogbuehi in the 1st I will lose my poo.  That guy may slide all the way down to the 3rd.

[Jeremy Igo]

I agree completely

 

One caveat,...If Flowers is there then he is def thrown into the discussion. I don't think he will be though

 

 

Can't see him getting by Detroit. But Peat probably won't either. I didn't want to fill my top 5 with tackles. I live on the edge. 

[stirs]

I think Cedric will go somewhere in the second and we can move up and get him while taking a playmaker in the first with Gurley or Strong.

 

I don't see us reaching for an OT as we would not do it last year.

 

Gosh, this is my favorite time of year.  Love all the speculation and back and forth

[t96]

Love every one of these guys. Just not Cedric in the first...

[GoobyPls]

I'm going to prey we don't take Gurley or Collins

[jumpman910]

Don't have a problem with any of them, even tho Landon and Cedric would be my 4th and 5th choice out of those five.

[Mr Mojo Risin]

You don't think Diggy is possible at 25?

[B.BERSIN]

Any of them would make me smile on the draft day.

[the untouchables]

I keep hearing a lot about gurley. I think since they have been getting tackles in FA gurley could be the pick.