Panthers offseason review and draft preview


Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Confetti falls as Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts during his walk off the field following the game against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Confetti falls as Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts during his walk off the field following the game against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

CHARLOTTE — It’s mock draft season. Prepare grains of salt accordingly.

Over the next three weeks, draft experts will throw darts at Carolina’s No. 30 spot in the first round. The reality is the Panthers don’t yet know what they will do come April 28.

The prediction game is even tougher because of how general manager Dave Gettleman does business. He doesn’t make splashes in free agency. He uses March to plug up holes with potential bargains.

The Panthers came into the offseason with questions on the defensive line, in the secondary and at backup center.

So they released and re-signed defensive end Charles Johnson, saving around $8 million toward the salary cap in the process. At defensive tackle, they brought in free agent Paul Soliai and brought back Kyle Love. In the secondary, they found a nickel in Brandon Boykin and added Trenton Robinson for safety depth. And the backup center hole was filled with Gino Gradkowski, who can also play guard.

None of those names are big, but it’s not like the defending NFC champs had huge needs. They had what was more like a check list, which Gettleman completed deliberately.

He has followed the same process each of the past three years. Fill needs in free agency. Draft best player available. That’s what allowed the Panthers to take a guy like Shaq Thompson late in last year’s first round when few thought they were looking at linebackers.

The Panthers could still use help, of course, notably with their pass rush. It just so happens this draft is deepest on the defensive line, which is convenient for a team sitting so far back in the first round. They’ve worked out a handful of cornerbacks and safeties, and if Alabama running back Derrick Henry is around at No. 30, he could be Jonathan Stewart’s eventual replacement.

The point is, there’s no telling what the Panthers will do yet. That may not be the most exciting way to head into a draft, but it’s exactly how Gettleman has planned it.