Carolina Panthers 2008 NFL Draft Review
(Sports Network) -1 - Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon (5-10, 235); 1 - Jeff Otah, T, Pittsburgh (6-6, 322); 3 - Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa (6-0, 207); 3 - Dan Connor, LB, Penn State (6-2, 231); 5 - Gary Barnidge, TE, Louisville (6-6, 243); 6 - Nick Hayden, DT, Wisconsin (6-4, 291); 7 - Hilee Taylor, OLB/DE, North Carolina (6-2, 244); 7 - Geoff Schwartz, T, Oregon (6-6, 331); 7 - Mackenzy Bernadeau, G, Bentley (6-4, 306) Analysis: It wasn't a major surprise that Carolina targeted a first-round running back for the second time in three years (DeAngelo Williams), but the fact that Stewart went ahead of Felix Jones and Rashard Mendenhall was surprising to some. The Panthers then dealt with the Eagles to move into the No. 19 slot, and drafted their potential franchise left tackle in Otah. Godfrey was a solid choice who should be ready to play from day one, and Connor, who some believed to have first-round talent, may have been the steal of the third round. Surprisingly, Carolina did not draft a quarterback, which is a roll of the dice given Jake Delhomme's return from injury. The Panthers also failed to find another pass rusher, meaning Julius Peppers' dismal 2007 better have been an aberration. Bottom Line: Two big problems last year were quarterback and pass rush, and neither was addressed in this Draft. Grade: C+
Copyright 2008 Courtesy of The Sports Network.












