The Carolina Panthers have traditionally been a team where defense leads the way. I know Cam Newton is the quarterback and he does a lot to help the Panthers succeed but defense is their key to success.
Names like linebacker, Luke Kuechly or defensive end Julius Peppers come to mind. They led the Panthers to 11th in the league in points allowed with only giving up 20.4 a game.
With the First Pick
The defense only gave up 88.1 rushing yards which was good enough for third best in the NFL, but the passing defense was the issue. They gave up 229.1 passing yards a game which was 18th worst. They have not been the same since Josh Norman left to play in Washington.
What defensive backs are on the Panthers roster?
The Panthers have the following players on their roster in the cornerback position; James Bradberry (Samford), Ross Cockrell (Duke), Lorenzo Doss (Tulane), Corn Elder (Miami), LaDarius Gunter (Miami Fla), Cole Luke (Notre Dame), Captain Munnerlyn (South Carolina), Zack Sanchez (Oklahoma), and Kevon Seymour (USC).
What picks do the Panthers have?
The Panthers have an extra pick in the third round thanks to the trade with Buffalo for wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin. Carolina also has a fifth and sixth round pick if Gaulden happens to fall that far, which should not happen.
Gaulden would bring the tough-minded, physical play to fill the void that Josh Norman left. He could go into Carolina and make some noise on the depth chart, and Vol fans could see him on the field as early as next season.