The Carolina Panthers are on the upswing after several years of mediocrity. In the 2011 draft, they found their franchise cornerstone in Cam Newton, and they continue to build around him. Last season started out pretty rough for them, as they lost eight of their first ten games. However, they turned things around and went 5-1 over the last six games, with their only loss coming at the hands of an inspired Kansas City Chiefs team that had just come through the Javon Belcher's murder-suicide.
Rob Chudzinski, the Panthers offensive coordinator for the last two seasons, left during the offseason for the head coaching position with the Cleveland Browns. The Panthers replaced him in-house with their quarterbacks coach, Mike Shula. They only have six selections entering the draft, as they traded their 2013 third-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers so they could move up in the 2012 draft and take defensive end Frank Alexander. I would expect them to consider trading down from either the 14th pick or the 44th pick. Wherever they pick, they'll be focused on adding a big defensive tackle, a starting caliber cornerback, and depth on the offensive line and at wide receiver.
1 (14): Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
Hankins fills a huge need and could take the defense from solid to good. He’s a big space-eater, which is just the type of defensive tackle to keep Luke Kuechly clean, so he can do his best work.
2 (44): Kyle Long, OL, Oregon
They’re in need of depth and talent on the offensive line. Long can be the future at right tackle opposite Jordan Gross, and with the two of them, Ryan Kalil, and Amini Silatolu, the Panthers can keep Cam Newton on his feet.
4 (108): Kenny Stills, WR, Oklahoma
They have a lot of bodies at the wide receiver positions, but few difference makers. Steve Smith is getting long in the tooth, and Stills can be his perfect understudy.
5 (148): Dwayne Gratz, CB, Connecticut
Cornerback is a big enough need that they could address it in the first round. However, if they don’t, there’s enough depth in the class to look for a guy like Gratz. He’s physical and exceptionally athletic, and can develop into a starter on the outside.
6 (182): Everett Dawkins, DT, Florida State
Even with Hankins in the fold, defensive tackle is still one of the weakest position groups on the team. Hankins is a big run-stuffer, and Dawkins can provide some quicker interior penetration. He’s a developmental guy, but he has some upside, which is all you can expect in the sixth round.