Panthers Draft Grades
Draft weekend is over and it’s time to look at the Carolina Panthers picks and pretend we know more than them. They came into the draft with holes on both the offensive and defensive lines, as well as a huge question mark at QB. No one can still believe Sam Darnold is the answer. So lets take a look at the Panthers Draft grade.
6th Overall Selection (RD1-6) Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State
Many speculated the Panthers would pounce on a QB early, but they should be applauded for showing restraint and grabbing an absolute stud in the trenches. I am a huge fan of Ekwonu. I believe he should play guard in the NFL. He could be as dominate much like the Colts Quenton Nelson. McCaffrey has to be happy with this selection.
Grade A+
94th Overall Selection (RD3-30) Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
The Panthers could have won the draft with this pick. I’m not shy when I say I’m a Matt Corral fanboy. I have stood firm in my belief that he was QB 1 all year and that he is a first round talent. CBS has reported that Corral fell due to off field concerns, but that the Panthers agreed he was the best QB. If I am correct, and he is, then the Panthers landed their franchise QB at pick 94.
Grade A+
120th Overall Selection (RD4-15) Brandon Smith, LB, Penn State
Brandon Smith is a freak athlete who needs some refining. Taking a player like him at this point is always a worthwhile gamble. If he can be coached up and reach the potential many analysts believe he has (was considered a second round pick by many prior to season), then this could be yet another steal. High upside here with bust potential as well.
Grade A-
189th Overall selection (RD6-10) Amare Barno, Edge, Virginia Tech
Barno is raw and uber athletic. I heard him compared to Carolina’s own Brian Burns a few times on draft night. Whether it was a fan or one of the NFL Network’s own analysts, it makes sense. He is 6’5” 250 lbs and clocked an amazing 4.36 40 time. That is serious burst from an edge rusher. Considering they gambled on his upside with the 189th pick, there isn’t much to lose but so much to gain. Kudos Carolina.
Grade A-
199th Overall Selection (RD6-21) Cade Mays, OL, Tennessee
Cade Mays has been on my watch list for two seasons. I think he can be a huge steal for the Panthers this late. He played primarily RT for the Vols, but should kick into guard. Last season I was a huge supporter of Tennessee guard Trey Smith who went later in the draft as well. I believe could have the same impact as a rookie. Another one of my favorites here.
Grade A+
242nd Overall Selection (RD7-21) Kalon Barnes, CB, Baylor
By this point even most of the diehard draft fans have changed the channel or drifted off. That being said most of these guys end up on special teams only or the practice squad. If that’s the case why not take a shot on the long rangy corner who has blazing speed. Barnes had a 4.23 40 time, but is inconsistent to say the least. He will need coaching, but this is another high upside pick.
Grade B+
Panthers Draft Grade Overall Grade A-
I feel like the Panthers did an amazing job of getting players of high quality for their respective draft positions with every pick. I personally had Ekwonu, Mays and Corral as three of my favorites to grab. I wanted to give them an A+, but I can’t forgive the fact they traded away a 2nd and a 4th this draft for Sam Darnold. Yuck!
Panthers Draft Grade Analyst-Ken Noble.
