Re: 2008 NFL DRAFT PREVIEWS
Carolina Panthers 2008 Draft Preview
By Tony Moss, NFL Editor
(Sports Network) - Like the Ravens and Bears, the Panthers are a team that needs a ready-to-play quarterback but isn't likely to find value for one at its current position in the first round. Thus, expect Carolina to wait until the 43rd pick to select its QB of the future, and to address other needs at No. 13. The Panthers had major trouble rushing the quarterback last year, so a complement to Julius Peppers figures to be the first-round target for the embattled John Fox and his club. Another possibility, depending on how the dominoes fall, is offensive line help. Ex-starters Justin Hartwig (Steelers) and Mike Wahle (Seahawks) have both changed addresses in the offseason. Locating additional depth in the secondary and in the backfield figure to be later-round priorities.
2007 Record: 7-9
First Pick: No. 13
Number of Selections: 10 (1, 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 7, 7)
RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2007 - Jon Beason (LB, Miami-Florida); 2006 - DeAngelo Williams (RB, Memphis); 2005 - Thomas Davis (S/LB, Georgia); 2004 - Chris Gamble (CB, Ohio State); 2003 - Jordan Gross (OT, Utah); 2002 - Julius Peppers (DE, North Carolina); 2001 - Dan Morgan (LB, Miami-Florida); 2000 - Rashard Anderson (CB, Jackson State); 1999 - none; 1998 - Jason Peter (DE, Nebraska); 1997 - Rae Carruth (WR, Colorado); 1996 - Tim Biakabutuka (RB, Michigan); 1995 - Kerry Collins (QB, Penn State), Tyrone Poole (CB, Fort Valley State), Blake Brockermeyer (OT, Texas).
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