Sweat looks like a top ten pick to me."Defensive end Montez Sweat is my annual way-too-early to really know pick for the Panthers in the first round. I blame it on Bucky Brooks. Then Sweat goes and sets a speed record and thus cementing his status in my heart.When a player like Sweat is the sixth or seventh rated edge rusher in a draft Carolina Panthers Customized Jerseys , you know it’s a draft deep in defensive linemen. The 2019 NFL draft is shaping up to be a historic draft in this regard. Only time will tell if it deserves that moniker but it’s hard not to be excited for the Panthers since they need an edge rusher in a bad way. Sweat’s size seems like he would be a better fit at 3-4 outside linebacker versus 4-3 defensive end. That would align with Ron Rivera’s stated desire to play more 3-4 defensive packages. Sweat has a combination of speed and strength that is sure to create pressure from the edge at the next level. Like I said earlier Sweat looks like a top ten pick.The absolute only other position I would select in the first round this year is a starting left tackle. There happens to be a couple left tackle prospects that have looked good and very worth of the No. 16 pick.Cam Newton needs protection, that is very clear. It would be an unforgivable sin for them to not invest an early pick in an offensive lineman in this draft. We know the Panthers’ front office won’t fill all the holes via free agency. They might fill one at most. Another big need and worthy of a second round pick is a center. There are a couple of them that could be available at the Panthers’ pick in the second round. Here’s the best of the group but he has peers.My preference is the Panthers select a left tackle prospect or an edge rusher with their first two picks in this draft. A center with the third pick and an offensive guard in a late round. So what about the secondary you say? An effective edge rusher like Montez Sweat will be a big help. It’s time to invest in both lines. The Panthers have made their first big splash into the free agent pool." />Skip to main contentclockmenumore-arrownoyesHorizontal - WhiteCat Scratch Readera Carolina Panthers communityLog In or Sign UpLog InSign UpFanpostsFanshotsSectionsAboutPanthersOddsShopStubHubMoreAll 322 blogs on Horizontal - WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Keep Sounding PodcastPanthers 2019 NFL DraftCSR Film RoomFiled under:Carolina Panthers free agency 2019Carolina Panthers sign quarterback Taylor Heinicke to one-year dealNew Carolina Panthers T-Shirts ,48commentsThe Panthers have made their first big splash into the free agent pool.EDTShareTweetShareShareCarolina Panthers sign quarterback Taylor Heinicke to one-year dealThe Carolina Panthers have signed backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke to a one-year contract according to an announcement from the team’s website.The terms for the deal have not been announced, but considering that it’s a one-year deal for a backup quarterback with not a ton of game experience https://www.carolinapanthersfanshop.com/hats , chances are this contract won’t exactly be one to break the bank.Heinicke joins Kyle Allen as a backup option for franchise quarterback Cam Newton. The two are expected to compete in training camp for the No. 2 spot on the Panthers’ depth chart.There’s also a chance the Panthers use one of their draft picks to take a flyer on a backup quarterback if they find one they like, so there’s no guarantee that Heinicke will even be on the roster once the regular season begins.Stay tuned to CSR as we’ll provide the contract details once they’ve been announced.