The Panthers used all seven draft picks on defense. What?

After looking over the Carolina Panthers draft board, you have to wonder whether new coach Matt Rhule thoroughly reviewed the team’s offense from last year. Yes, the Cats defense was pretty bad, but their offense was no great shakes either.

Carolina finished the 2019 season 23rd out of 32 teams in total defense, giving up 375 yards per game, 231 on the ground, and just under 30 points a game. However, the Panthers were second in pass defense and sacks, so they couldn’t have been that bad.

Why did Rhule and his staff use all seven picks on defense, four on the interior line and three on cornerbacks and safeties? With Teddy Bridgewater replacing Cam Newton at quarterback, do they really expect to improve on their 18th place in total offense, 22nd in passing and 20th in scoring? Now, how much can Christian McCaffery do?

The Panthers basically had a selection in each of the seven rounds, tabbing huge Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown with the third pick of the draft. At 6-5 and 325 pounds, Brown is an outstanding run stopper but not quite quick enough to be a great pass rusher.

Their second-round pick was a defensive end from Penn State, but their next three were two safeties and a cornerback. Like a lot of other teams scouring a balanced draft pool, the Panthers did not take anyone who is going to boost ticket sales at Bank of America Stadium, so either a wait-and-see attitude, the pandemic or a no-fans rule will keep the crowds down or away completely.

After finishing 5-11 and last in the NFC South last fall, the Panthers now have to contend with Tom Brady and the Buccaneers plus the perennially great Saints and the always-dangerous Falcons. Carolina will be hard-pressed to improve on its 1-5 division record and, thus, its chances to make the playoffs for the first time in three years.

After firing Ron Rivera, new owner David Tepper said he was unlikely to hire a college coach. Yet, he did it anyway, naming Baylor’s Rhule, who signed a long-term contract. He will need every year of it.

 

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