5 Takeaways From Carolina Panthers' 2016 NFL Draft

By Geoffrey Knox

After taking a month to process things, it appears that the Carolina Panthers won’t have to worry about anything remotely similar to a Super Bowl hangover. This team loses Josh Norman to free agency, but it really won’t matter much. Norman is a true talent at the cornerback position, but he’s also going to be a year shy of 30 come December. Expect his production to slip with a Washington Redskins team that doesn’t do anything remotely similar in coverage to what he’s used to. Still, the Panthers have added a few players where they had needs and look poised for another deep playoff run, but what does this draft class mean for the team? Let’s examine.

5 Takeaways From Carolina Panthers\' 2016 NFL Draft
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5. Somebody Has To Emerge At Wide Receiver

Somebody Has To Emerge At Wide Receiver Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Panthers' receivers get insulted constantly, yet they seem to keep getting wide open at least four or five times a game. Kelvin Benjamin is 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds. It would be nice if he could become that safety valve Newton is looking for.

5. Somebody Has To Emerge At Wide Receiver

The Panthers' receivers get insulted constantly, yet they seem to keep getting wide open at least four or five times a game. Kelvin Benjamin is 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds. It would be nice if he could become that safety valve Newton is looking for.

4. This Team Will Always Build From The Inside Out

This Team Will Always Build From The Inside Out Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive tackle Vernon Butler and tight end Beau Sandland were both taken in the draft. This team places all their hopes for success in winning in the trenches and being physical. They want mismatches on linebackers and domination at the line.

4. This Team Will Always Build From The Inside Out

Defensive tackle Vernon Butler and tight end Beau Sandland were both taken in the draft. This team places all their hopes for success in winning in the trenches and being physical. They want mismatches on linebackers and domination at the line.

3. Cam Newton Will Have To Do It With His Legs Again

Cam Newton Will Have To Do It With His Legs Again Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
The biggest threat in the running game is at the quarterback position. Historically, football has taught us that isn't what you want. If Newton takes too many shots, expect him to stop looking downfield and begin to focus on the rush a little more.

3. Cam Newton Will Have To Do It With His Legs Again

The biggest threat in the running game is at the quarterback position. Historically, football has taught us that isn't what you want. If Newton takes too many shots, expect him to stop looking downfield and begin to focus on the rush a little more.

2. Not Too Many Improvements Have Been Made Offensively

Not Too Many Improvements Have Been Made Offensively Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Greg Olsen has the trust of his quarterback. With Kelvin Benjamin back, things potentially open up even more in the passing game and may create even more opportunities for Tedd Ginn Jr. Still, this team can't go on the offensive droughts we've seen.

2. Not Too Many Improvements Have Been Made Offensively

Greg Olsen has the trust of his quarterback. With Kelvin Benjamin back, things potentially open up even more in the passing game and may create even more opportunities for Tedd Ginn Jr. Still, this team can't go on the offensive droughts we've seen.

1. Josh Norman Won't Be Missed

Josh Norman Won't Be Missed Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Some call it addition by subtraction. Losing Josh Norman to free agency hurt the feelings of some of the fans but freed up a lot of cash. He's replaced by three rookies who would probably be welcomed on any team's roster. Carolina will be just fine.

1. Josh Norman Won't Be Missed

Some call it addition by subtraction. Losing Josh Norman to free agency hurt the feelings of some of the fans but freed up a lot of cash. He's replaced by three rookies who would probably be welcomed on any team's roster. Carolina will be just fine.

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