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2015 NFL Draft: Carolina Panthers’ 5 Biggest Needs After Free Agency

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Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

2015 NFL Draft: Carolina Panthers' 5 Biggest Needs After Free Agency

Panthers free agency grades
Jim Dedmon - USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina Panthers have made a few moves this offseason, but they still have some glaring holes that need to be filled. They will hope to seal things up with the draft, but as of right now they still could use some additions and depth. Here are their five biggest needs after free agency.

5. Linebacker

Carolina Panthers Luke Kuechly Linebacker
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5. Linebacker

Carolina Panthers Luke Kuechly Linebacker copy
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Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis are one of the best linebacker duos in the NFL, but the Panthers could use some more depth. Davis is 32 years old, and Kuechly plays almost every snap. They are an injury away from being extremely thin at this position, so adding depth is ideal. I would think getting at least one more inside and outside linebacker is necessary.

4. Defensive End

Greg Hardy
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4. Defensive End

Greg Hardy copy
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We saw the impact Greg Hardy had on the defense when he missed almost all of last season, and with his departure, the Panthers will need to add some depth to the position. They don't have enough salary cap space to replace someone as good as Hardy, but they can add depth. Mario Addison and Wes Horton are solid backups and Kony Ealy is a talented youngster, but there is room for depth. I would suggest they pick up at least one more end.

3. Secondary

Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cliff McBride - Getty Images

3. Secondary

Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cliff McBride - Getty Images

The Panthers have a plethora of young secondary players who showed promise last season, but they are still young and need improvement. I think they should grab a veteran or two at the safety and cornerback position just to have some experience outside of Roman Harper and newly acquired Kurt Coleman. Experience is undervalued and it never hurts to add it to the locker room.

2. Wide Receiver

Kelvin Benjamin Panthers
Sam Sharpe - USA TODAY Sports

2. Wide Receiver

Kelvin Benjamin Panthers
Sam Sharpe - USA TODAY Sports

Kelvin Benjamin solidified his role as the No. 1 receiver in Carolina with his brilliant rookie season. The Panthers still need a second receiver to provide some help for Cam Newton outside of their newly acquired free agents, Ted Ginn Jr. and Jarrett Boykin. It's a step in the right direction, but the corps could still use a a big possession receiver such as Hakeem Nicks.

1. Offensive Line

Michael Oher
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1. Offensive Line

Michael Oher copy
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Michael Oher is the biggest free agent the Panthers signed this offseason, but the offensive line still needs help. Oher should help solidify the offensive tackle spot that was very disappointing a year ago. Carolina will need depth and a starter, or maybe two, in order to keep Cam Newton from getting hit the way he has been lately. I think the Panthers need to take at least two offensive linemen in the draft and maybe even sign another.

Brian Brennan is a writer for RantSports.
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