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It’s no secret that the Carolina Panthers need to select a defensive tackle in this year’s draft, it’s just a question of how early they’ll do it. Many experts project it will happen in the first round, with the No. 14 overall pick.
Regardless of who the Panthers do take in round one, they better make it count. This is a team without much money to spend in free agency, so they must be on point in the upcoming draft. Carolina needs an impact player, someone who can come in right away and make a difference.
One of the players that could fall to them at 14, is Star Lotulelei. It would be a ‘best case scenario’ if he did fall that far, because some have him pegged as a top-five selection. Lotulelei didn’t have a good combine, and had a health scare when a test showed a heart abnormality. Luckily, he was cleared after re-testing came back clean. Now it’s possible he could slide to Carolina. If he there’s, it would be hard for the Panthers to say no.
The other DT that’s been coming up in Panthers’ draft talk, is Sheldon Richardson. The former junior college player spent the last two years battling top-notch opponents in the Big 12 and SEC, and it’s all about potential with the 24-year old. He was limited as a sophomore due to injuries, but had a stellar junior campaign to propel him to the NFL. He’s coming off of shoulder surgery, and already had upper-body strength concerns.
I think either one of these DTs would be a great pick for the Panthers at 14. Both seem to have Pro Bowl potential, and should be able to come in right away and improve the d-line. Lotulelei is probably a steal in the middle part of the first round, so Richardson is more likely to play in Carolina next season.
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