Carolina Panthers – The one major detraction for this year’s draft by Carolina is the price they paid to move up and select University of Pittsburgh offensive tackle Jeff Otah with the 19th pick. However, the team truly needed one of the projected first round tackles and they did what they had to in order to land one. The question of whether or not they overpaid and if they did, by how much, will be answered with the results of Otah’s performance. If the Panthers are able to improve their record substantially this season, then the amount paid will draw far less criticism. In my opinion, Carolina had a fantastic draft and as I analyzed their selections, helped their team improve more than any other in the NFC. Let’s start with first round pick Jonathan Stewart out of Oregon who was given a clean bill of health and as the draft neared, began rapidly rising up draft boards again. While so much is being made of the complimentary running back style, how about this one. Stewart is a rare breed of power and speed which will now combine with the quickness, shiftiness and open field abilities of former first rounder D’Angelo Williams.

As mentioned above, the price paid for the addition of Jeff Otah to the offensive line will be criticized but his run blocking skills and tenacity won’t. He figures to become a solid protector of QB Jake Delhomme’s backside. The Panthers will now plug Otah in on the left side to bookend with six year veteran and former first round choice Jordan Gross on the right. This offensive line instantly becomes more powerful and formidable. Expect the upgrades at running back and offensive line to tremendously help the scoring production of this team.

In the third round, Carolina got Iowa Hawkeyes cornerback Charles Godfrey who’s got the ability to play safety as well. Godfrey is a very good tackler with 4.44 speed who improves the secondary immediately when the Panthers go to nickel coverage. He has a very good shot at becoming a starter. Fellow third rounder Dan Connor is the latest in Penn State linebackers who are tackling machines. Last year’s first rounder Jon Beason exploded on the season with a 140 tackle season as a rookie and adding Connor to this group once again upgrades the talent level of this position.

In those four players, I believe that Carolina helped its team through the draft more than any other NFC squad.

For more NFL draft analysis by Rob Veno, go to www.sportsmemo.com.