NFL Draft '08 Review -
Complete Mini Review is Free for Full Subscribers

Photo - Runner Jonathan Stewart - Oregon

The Panthers selected runner Jonathan Stewart in the first round and see him as a key component in their ground game with starter DeAngelo Williams. Stewart should be 100% by training camp from toe surgery. They traded back into the first round with the Eagles for their #2 and #4 picks this year and next year’s #1 pick to select OT Jeff Otah with the 19th overall selection. It was an extremely high price to pay but they felt he was a player they needed to make the offense work. He can play either side and has a good chance to start as a rookie with a good training camp. With their two 3rd round selections, they chose CB Chris Godfrey and LB Dan Connor. Godfrey is a good athlete with experience in both man and zone coverage. He will press for time in the nickel package immediately and should start within a few seasons. Connor is an instinctive defender with versatility and experience. He figures to press for a starting position in camp and could eventually start at either any position though the Mike spot in his best fit. On the 5th round, they chose TE Gary Barnridge, a well developed pass catcher who is a good fit here. He has improved as a blocker and could be a complete player with development. He was an excellent addition here. With their 6th round pick, they chose DT Nick Hayden, a run plugger who should win a roster spot and help on early downs in a line rotation. With their three 7th round pick, they chose DE Hilee Taylor and OL Geoff Schwartz and Mackenzy Bernadeau. Taylor needs to show he can make plays on special teams and fit a niche as a situational pass rusher. Schwartz is a power right tackle who can win a backup role. Bernadeau is an interesting prospect coming off a late career injury that could limit his practice as a rookie. He is a good long term project and could be a major find in time but needs time to get healthy and settle into a pro system.

Carolina
1/ 13 - Jonathan Stewart - RB - Oregon
1/ 19 - Jeff Otah - OT - Pittsburgh
3/ 67 - Charles Godfrey - CB - Iowa
3/ 74 - Dan Connor - LB - Penn St
5/ 141 - Gary Barnridge - TE - Louisville
6/ 181 - Nick Hayden - DT - Wisconsin
7/ 221 - Hilee Taylor - DE - North Carolina
7/ 241 - Geoff Schwartz - OT - Oregon
7/ 250 - Mackenzy Bernadeau - OG - Bentley College

NFL Draft '08 Review -
Complete Mini Review is Free for Full Subscribers

NFL Draft '08 Review Online Book - mid June '08 with NFL mini camp report