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Ranking the Carolina Panthers’ 2015 Draft Picks From Worst To First

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Ranking the Carolina Panthers' 2015 Draft Picks From Worst To First

Ron Rivera Carolina Panthers
Brian Spurlock - USATODAY Sports

With the Carolina Panthers making a slew of trades, they somehow ended up with five picks in the 2015 NFL Draft. However, only ending up with a handful of picks doesn’t mean they didn’t bring in quality players. As part of the draft evaluation process, here is a ranking of how Carolina used their five draft picks, from worst to first.

5. Shaq Thompson - First Round

Shaq Thompson
Getty Images

5. Shaq Thompson - First Round

Shaq Thompson
Getty Images

This was one of the more puzzling picks of the entire draft. Yes, Thompson is a great athlete who should immediately step into the Carolina starting lineup to help complete a formidable trio of linebackers, but this pick was a bit of a stretch. The Panthers could have waited and taken Thompson in the second, and possibly third, round. It's also pertinent to note that linebacker was not among the team's top needs.

4. David Mayo - Fifth Round

Carolina Panthers
Jeremy Brevard - USATODAY Sports

4. David Mayo - Fifth Round

Carolina Panthers
Jeremy Brevard - USATODAY Sports

Mayo isn't such a bad pick, as he was one of the most underrated players at his position following a productive college career. Adding depth at linebacker wasn't necessarily a priority for Carolina, especially after taking Thompson in the first round. The Panthers failed to address their secondary or defensive line in this draft, making the choice of a second linebacker all the more questionable.

3. Daryl Williams - Fourth Round

Daryl Williams Oklahoma
Matthew Emmons - USATODAY Sports

3. Daryl Williams - Third Round

Daryl Williams Oklahoma
Matthew Emmons - USATODAY Sports

The Panthers needed a boost on the offensive line, and while they probably should have addressed that need sooner than the third round, Williams is a good addition. He's an experienced college player who should be able to help early in his career. He's also a versatile player who may be able to provide some depth at tackle, while also competing for a starting spot at guard, making him a valuable selection in Round 3.

2. Cameron Artis-Payne - Fifth Round

Cameron Artis-Payne
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2. Cameron Artis-Payne - Fifth Round

Cameron Artis-Payne
Getty Images

Getting a back like Artis-Payne this late in the draft is a nice steal for the Panthers. Considering Carolina's need at that position, it would have been tempting to take a running back earlier, but they waited and got a player who should be able to contribute right away. Artis-Payne is a good fit for Carolina's offense, and he may even be an upgrade over Deangelo Williams, as he'll split carries with Jonathan Stewart.

1. Devin Funchess - Second Round

Devin Funchess
Rick Osentoski - USATODAY Sports

1. Devin Funchess - Second Round

Devin Funchess
Rick Osentoski - USATODAY Sports

Taking Funchess in the second round is Carolina's top draft pick. He has a chance to step into the starting lineup right away and play opposite Kelvin Benjamin, who had an outstanding rookie year in 2014. Benjamin and Funchess playing together gives the Panthers two tall receivers who are matchup nightmares for opposing teams, especially in the red zone, giving their passing game an instant upgrade.

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