Mocking the Draft wants to introduce you to an new article series taking a closer look at each team’s draft workings. The WarRoom articles will give you a glimpse at the recent draft history and the decision-making structure of each NFL team. We will also include our thoughts about the structure and draft history.
Carolina Panthers NFL Draft WarRoom
Offensive Scheme: As part of Carolina’s coaching overhaul, Rob Chudzinski was brought in to run the offense and develop one of the young quarterbacks. Chudzinski gained offensive coordinator experience in Cleveland but was let go when Romeo Crennel was fired.
The offense has several nice pieces including a strong offensive line and a good stable of running backs. However, the biggest concern is the quarterback position where Cam Newton, Jimmy Clausen, and Matt Moore will likely be battling to open the season as the starter.
Chudzinski was with Head Coach Ron Rivera last season in San Diego and is expected to bring a similar offensive attack. He is well respected around the league and only added more knowledge by working with the offensive guru Norv Turner. Expect to see the tight end heavily featured as Chudzinski coached several All Americans at Miami including Kellen Winslow Jr. and Greg Olsen. However, don't expect this team to abandon the running attack which has been an important part of the teams success.
Defensive Scheme: This is going to be a very aggressive defensive unit that will be run by Sean McDermott and Ron Rivera. Both coaches love to bring pressure and confuse the offense. Rivera has experience with both the 3-4 and 4-3 defensive alignments so expect to see a little of both incorporated into the attack. However, the base will likely be a 4-3 utilizing the principles of former Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson.
Thoughts: Nothing looms larger than the selection of Cam Newton who holds the future of the franchise in his powerful throwing arm. His development will impact the players around him as well as future decisions. Expect to see future draft picks to be focused on giving Newton the weapons needed to succeed.
It is difficult to judge the past drafts because of the leadership changes but the recent draft day trades have not helped this team. The moves to select Everette Brown and Armanti Edwards stripped the team of future picks and playmakers. Going forward I expect Ron Rivera and the coaching staff to have a major say on the draft day decisions. However, it all comes back to Newton and his future success.
Five-year record: 37- 43
Coach: Ron Rivera
GM: Marty Hurney
Recent Draft History: Click Here to see the complete draft history
Best Pick: Ryan Kalil
Worst Pick: Dwayne Jarrett (As a joke I wanted to put Cam Newton but....)
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