Breaking Down the Draft: Carolina Panthers

The Panthers have fallen from NFC Champions to a mediocre team due to injuries and free agency. Will the 2008 Draft put them back in the drivers seat in the NFC South?

Pick 13: RB Jonathan Stewart (Scouting Report)
Scout It: Adding Jonathan Stewart marks the beginning of a power running offense in Carolina, or at least a resurgence of it. Stewart is a physical freak with great size, speed and agility at 220lbs. He has soft hands and can be effective outside of the tackles and in space. He'll pound the ball between the tackles, while DeAngelo Williams is more of a change of pace back.

Pick 19: OT Jeff Otah (Scouting Report)
Scout It: The move up to get Otah can be questioned, but his ability to start at right tackle should not be. Otah will immediately improve the Panthers offensive line and solidify their running game. Otah can be a dominant drive blocker, but may struggle in pass protection against a left end.

Pick 67: FS/CB Charles Godfrey
Scout It: Godfrey will most likely be moving to free safety in his rookie season with the Panthers. He's a physical player who we liked as a Cover 2 corner. He's strong enough to jam receivers on the outside and quick enough to recover. At safety he will be able to use his length and athleticism to make plays in deep halves and quarters.

Pick 74: LB Dan Connor (Scouting Report)
Scout It: Connor is the perfect fit for the Panthers 4-3 defense. He is penciled in to start as the MIKE linebacker, moving Jon Beason to the WILL position. The Panthers like to get after the quarterback with their front four, leaving their linebackers to make a lot of tackles in the run game. Connor is able to get off blocks well and is strong enough to lock down the middle.

Pick 141: TE Gary Barnidge
Scout It: The Panthers prefer a vertical passing game with Steve Smith stretching the field and pulling a double team on virtually every down. Adding a tight end who can run the seam against a Cover Two, or a drag to pull underneath, is a valuable asset for this team. Barnridge can become the safety valve for Jake Delhomme and Matt Moore.

Pick 181: DT Nick Hayden (Scouting report)
Scout It: A big run stuffer to replace Kris Jenkins. Hayden will play over the center in a zero technique and be asked to draw a double team on every down. The Panthers like tackles who can penetrate and force the quarterback to make quick decisions. Hayden has the talent to split the gaps and get to the passer.

Pick 221: DE Hilee Taylor
Scout It: Taylor will play end for the Panthers, although some teams worked him out at outside linebcacker. He is in the mold of Mike Rucker as a hard charging pass rusher off the edge. He'll benefit greatly from playing next to a defensive tackle who will draw the attention of guards. In a one-on-one situation, Taylor will beat most tackles to the edge.

Pick 241: OT Geoff Schwartz
Scout It: Schwartz is a huge tackle prospect and a dominant run blocker. He gets a little high at times, but his strength and footwork make him an attractive project at left tackle. He could also play guard at times, as he has the lateral quickness to pull and trap. His height (6'7) is a concern there.

Pick 250: OG Mackenzy Bernadeau
Scout It: Is a developmental prospect coming off an injury his senior season at a tiny college. Has played tackle, but lacks the strength to stay outside. Isn't very aggrssive, but is a smart player who is very mobile. He has a good chance to make the team.