Each week this offseason, we’ll be focusing on one position and how the Panthers may choose to address their needs; whether they’re in the market for an upgrade at starter or just a reliable backup, every player on the 53-man roster is going to be important in 2018.
This is Linebacker Week.
Inside Linebacker is possibly the Panthers least significant need in the upcoming draft; with both Luke Kuechly and David Mayo on the roster, the Panthers have not only the best inside linebacker in the NFL, but possibly the best back-up inside linebacker in football as well. With this in mind, it would be a real surprise to see the Panthers draft an inside linebacker baring a situation where another team is willing to part with assets to trade for Mayo. However, as with any position, the Panthers (as well as Panthers fans) would be wise to at least know what is out there at the position.
The Big Board
As with the 4-3 Outside Linebackers, the 2018 draft class may be short of elite talent, but what it lacks in top-tier talent it makes up for in terms of depth. Both Roquan Smith and Tremaine Edmunds show a lot of potential and while both need to improve, both should be able to step in as starters in the near future, even if Edmunds needs a little more work. Micah Kiser, who won the ‘Academic Heisman’ in 2017, along with Jack Cichy and Rashaan Evans, all offer immediate plug-and-play ability in the middle rounds of the draft and for teams that need somebody to plug a hole at the position, this area of the draft could offer decent value.
There are also a number of developmental prospects that could offer upside in the middle or later rounds. DeLuca and Poling both show nice things on tape and for teams looking to add somebody to develop they would make some sense; if the Panthers feel that either of these players could play on the outside in their scheme, they could be third-day targets to develop as outside linebackers. In a 4-3 scheme, there is often little significant difference between outside and inside linebackers, though the need to match up in coverage could see some forced inside due to speed concerns.
Chris Worley. Photo Credit: Joe Maiorana/USA Today Sports
While the Panthers have limited need at inside linebacker, should they feel that any of these players could also play outside and are available come the third day of the draft, they cannot be ruled out as potential draft targets for the Panthers. Additionally, the Panthers could have some interest in bringing in a player like Chris Worley or Tre Williams as undrafted free agents on the chance Mayo or Kuechly get injured. As mentioned earlier, this is not a significant need for the Panthers, but nothing can ever be completely ruled out in the NFL.
