Carolina Panthers 2016 NFL Draft Needs, Mock, Predictions and Picks

The Carolina Panthers are the team to beat in the NFC after going a stellar 15-1 in the 2015 regular season. They also paved their way into the Super Bowl only to lose to the Denver Broncos. The Panthers have now had a whole offseason to work on their deficiencies. The 2016 NFL Draft gives them a shot at injecting some youth and talent into their roster.

Read on as we take a look at potential Panthers draft picks. For more on the NFL draft, check out our features for the Broncos and Cardinals.

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2016 NFL Draft Central: Carolina Panthers

Round 1: Pick #30 – CB Mackensie Alexander – Clemson

NEEDS at CB: The departure of Josh Norman has the Panthers in need of a quality cornerback in the NFL Draft. They’ll need to add some talent as the anchor of their zone-coverage schemes in the secondary.

STRENGTHS: Mackensie Alexander should be one of the cornerbacks to go late in the first round of the draft, along with the likes of Eli Apple and William Jackson III. Alexander is the best fit for the Panthers. He’s good in man-to-man coverage, while also having the ability to play effectively in zone-coverage schemes.

Round 2: Pick #31 – LB Jaylon Smith – Notre Dame

NEEDS at LB: Aside from the secondary, the Panthers also need to beef up their front seven. They have an excellent defensive line, but need some depth in linebacker to help out Luke Keuchly. They could come up with an excellent player with the 31st pick of the second round.

STRENGTHS: Jaylon Smith of Notre Dame is talented. Some even considered him as a possible No. 1 overall pick in this draft class. A knee injury derailed his chances of becoming an early first round pick. Nevertheless, when healthy, Smith has the potential to be an All-Pro linebacker.

Round 3: Pick #31 – WR Aaron Burbridge – Michigan State

NEEDS at WR: Carolina’s lack of wide receiver depth was highlighted last year when Kelvin Benjamin missed the season due to a torn ACL. The Panthers had Devin Funchess from last year’s draft, but he was still developing. Ted Ginn Jr. also didn’t have as much impact without the Panthers’ main receiver.

STRENGTHS: Aaron Burbridge doesn’t have breakaway speed to get past coverage. What he does have is good hands and a strong frame. He’s sure to have some short to middle-range receptions for gains, while making sure that he doesn’t drop the ball when tackled by opponents. He’s the perfect fit with Carolina already having a deep-threat receiver, Ginn, returning.

Round 4: Pick #31 – RB Keith Marshall – Georgia

NEEDS at RB: Jonathan Stewart was excellent after DeAngelo Williams left last offseason. But he’s been the Panthers’ only go-to running back. Carolina would do well to add some depth at running back in this year’s draft.

STRENGTHS: Keith Marshall has elite speed, clocking in a 4.31-second 40-yard dash at the combine. His college career was riddled by injuries, but making the transition to the professional level should give him access to better trainers and treatment. Marshall also brings in plenty of size to allow him to bruise past opponents’ front sevens.

Round 5: Pick #29 – SS Clayton Fejedelem – Illinois

NEEDS at SS: The Panthers need some depth in cornerback. They also need some depth in safety to further solidify their secondary. Kurt Coleman and Roman Harper were solid last season, but having another reliable safety with plenty of upside is never a bad thing.

STRENGTHS: Clayton Fejedelem needs some technique. He also isn’t too physically imposing. But Fejedelem has the hard-hitting mentality that the Panthers love. He showed plenty of skill playing mainly Cover-4 with Illinois, making him a nice selection for Carolina’s zone-coverage scheme.

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