What Are the Panthers' Biggest Needs Heading Into the Draft?

Straight from the source.

What will the Panthers do with the first overall pick in the draft? Take a quarterback, duh. But what will they do after that? General manager Scott Fitterer looks to take the best player available while attempting to address some of the team's remaining needs.

"I think you always need a pass rusher. We could beef up the offensive line. We've done a lot of things at receiver but we could always add a receiver. Linebacker," Fitterer said at his pre-draft press conference. "I mean, no team is ever complete. The whole part of free agency is to be able to go into the draft to pick the best player available. We've done that. Going into it, we're aware of where our weaknesses are and we'd like to address it but we're not going to force it."

Fitterer noted that there are several guys that will be available in the second and third rounds that they like, particularly at pass rusher. If their top pass rusher on the board is there at No. 39, one can assume that will be the pick. Sure, they could use another receiver or tight end but it's not as critical as getting another dynamic pass rusher who can take some pressure off of Brian Burns. 

In true "Fitty" fashion, he also brought up the possibility of trading back from the 39th overall pick because of the amount of talent that will be there on day two. After they pick at 39, the Panthers won't be on the clock again until No. 93. That's a long time to wait around. Depending on how the board falls, trading down a handful of spots may be the best option for Carolina.

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