NFL Draft 2017: Buccaneers Division Rival Grades

Panthers

1.8 – HB – Christian McCafrey

McCafrey in a ton of different mocks. They make the safe pick and take the “Swiss army knife” from Stanford. McCaffrey adds speed to the offense and if he can run between the tackles, an eventual replacement for aging Jonathan Stewart. He gives Cam Newton an easy dump off option with the propensity for an explosive play.  Well see how Rivera incorporates him in the offense.

2.8 – WR – Curtis Samuel

Staying with the trend of adding speed to the offense, the Panthers take another solid pick. I had a small glimmer of hope that Samuel might slide to the Bucs depending on the board, but the Panthers continue to revamp their play makers around Newton. With a need in the secondary, the Panthers make it clear they want to revitalize the offense.

2.32 – T – Taylor Moton

The offensive line is not getting any younger and Cam Newton can’t continue to absorb the hits he does. the Panthers do the smart thing in a weak OL draft class and wait until the third to take an offensive lineman. He helps make an aging OL, younger. I’m assuming he moves to guard and fights for a starting spot this year.

3.13 – DE – Daeshon Hall

With the four great quarterbacks in the NFC South, every team needs a good pass rusher. Hall fills another need for the Panthers. In his career at A&M he posted 15 sacks, 158 total tackles and four forced fumbles. Hall helps Rivera strengthen the defense. Another position of need, another solid pick.

Draft grade: A-