The Perfect Draft: Carolina Panthers

With the draft approaching, we ignore projections and identify the dream scenario for each team in a series we call The Perfect Draft.

Yes, the Carolina Panthers are late to the party. But I thought it only appropriate given that the Cats have no first round pick in this year's NFL Draft. Of course, that's not necessarily a bad thing whatsoever. Last year, the Panthers traded this year's first-rounder (plus 2008's second and fourth round picks) for the Eagles' first round pick (No. 19 overall) and selected Jeff Otah. Carolina made the playoffs and looked like a Super Bowl contender late in the season.

Had they not made the trade, they'd be sitting at 28th overall right now. The Bills (who received the pick from the Eagles) conveniently selected William Beatty, an offensive lineman from Connecticut. And whether it's he or Eben Britton picked in that spot this year, I don't think there's a question that Otah is better. Oh, plus, Marty Hurney and John Fox saved their jobs.
As a result of the aforementioned trade, the Panthers's first pick is the 27th pick in the second round (59 overall) and I think Michael Johnson -- a defensive end from Georgia Tech who has been slotted to Carolina in many a mock draft -- makes perfect sense. Whether or not Julius Peppers plays next year is really irrelevant -- Carolina needs depth at DE, and Johnson has a ton of upside, particularly in that position.

You wouldn't know it from their recent moves, but the Panthers also need a quarterback. Jake Delhomme's extension, as I mentioned yesterday, isn't exactly a full five-year deal. But, at the same time, it wouldn't be shocking to see the Panthers simply use the entire draft to beef up their depth on both the offensive and defensive line. Delhomme will be in Charlotte for at least 2-3 more years, and there's no reason to force the issue and draft a quarterback that won't be a long-term fit.