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2015 NFL Draft: Carolina Panthers’ Top 5 Needs

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By @b2brennan

2015 NFL Draft: Carolina Panthers' Top 5 Needs

Cam Newton Panthers
Bob Donnan - USA Today Sports

2014 has been an up and down season for the Carolina Panthers. They are still in the hunt for the NFC South crow, but the Panthers have many needs in the offseason. In order to remain in contention for years to come, here are their top five needs in the 2015 NFL Draft.

5. Running Back

Jonathan Stewart
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5. Running Back

Jonathan Stewart
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In 2014, Jonathan Stewart, DeAngelo Williams and Mike Tolbert all had a spell of injuries. Stewart and Tolbert are finally back and playing well, but Williams is still out. All three of them have relatively high-paying contracts, and nobody knows if they can stay healthy for a long period of time. Running back isn't a top priority in the draft for the Panthers, but getting one late could be a necessity if 2015 is another injury-filled season.

4. Wide Receiver

Kelvin Benjamin
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4. Wide Receiver

Kelvin Benjamin
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After unloading the whole receiving corps, the Panthers grabbed a star with the No. 28 pick in Kelvin Benjamin. Along with Philly Brown and Jerricho Cotchery, there has finally been some stability in the receiving corps. Cotchery is 32 and Brown is an unproven rookie with great speed, so the Panthers could use another receiver or two to help out. Ideally, the Panthers can get a possession receiver to put in the No. 2 spot alongside Benjamin.

3. Defensive Line

Greg Hardy
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3. Defensive Line

Greg Hardy
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In 2013, the Panthers led the NFL with 60 sacks. This year they are on pace for 35. Greg Hardy has missed most of the season on the exempt list and the entire defensive line has suffered. Hardy's future is unclear, as is the talent level of rookie Kony Ealy. Charles Johnson isn't getting any younger, so the Panthers need to add some depth to the defensive end position.

2. Secondary

Roman Harper
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2. Secondary

Roman Harper
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In 2014, the Panthers got a whole new secondary for the second straight season. They returned only four players there from the previous year, and it's been another season of figuring out who to play on a week-to-week basis. The stats have shown this year that the Panthers are in the bottom third for opposing receptions and touchdowns. Grabbing a cornerback and safety in the draft could help solidify on ongoing struggle in the secondary.

1. Offensive Line

Carolina Panthers O-Line
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1. Offensive Line

Carolina Panthers O-Line
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Cam Newton has been hit the most in the league among quarterbacks since he's entered in 2011. It has been an injury-plagued season for Newton including ankle surgery, broken ribs and broken vertebrae. If the Panthers want to protect their franchise player for the future, they will need stability on the offensive line. Not only will this make Newton's game better, but it will keep him healthy and active for years to come.

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