Without Peppers deal, Panthers face long wait on draft day

The Panthers covet a No. 3 cornerback, too, after releasing starter Ken Lucas and promoting Richard Marshall to starter.

Carolina is more comfortable on offense, and Hurney again expressed strong support for quarterback Jake Delhomme. The Panthers would gain cap space by extending Delhomme's contract past next season.

Delhomme could use another receiver to complement Steve Smith. D.J. Hackett was released and Muhsin Muhammad will turn 36 next month.

After releasing Jeremy Bridges and watching Geoff Hangartner (Buffalo) and Frank Omiyale (Chicago) leave in free agency, the Panthers have also lost a needed luxury from last year: depth on the offensive line.

The line's improvement and ability to overcome numerous injuries were key in the breakout 2008 seasons by running backs DeAngelo Williams and rookie Jonathan Stewart.

"We want to keep our offensive and defensive lines strong," Hurney said. "I think that's part of our philosophy."

The Panthers had luck with the 59th pick two years ago when they took Ryan Kalil, now their starting center. Based on their biggest need, the Panthers could take a defensive lineman in the second round. Utah defensive end Paul Kruger and Purdue defensive tackle Alex Magee are possibilities.

The Panthers could then try to add an offensive lineman, receiver or defensive back in later rounds. The Panthers don't have a seventh-round pick after trading it to Miami before last season for backup quarterback Josh McCown.

"We are set up where we have several areas where we can help ourselves and it then it depends on where it stacks up and what players are there," Hurney said. "We have taken players fairly high that you can argue we didn't have an immediate need there. But I think it helps you long term."

It would mark the first time since 1999 that the Panthers haven't had a first-round pick. But they're preparing as if they'll get one, working out and evaluating prospects that are locks to be first-round picks.

Just in case the stalemate with Peppers ends.

"You always prepare for everything," Hurney said. "This time last year before the draft I couldn't have told you that we were going to have two first rounders. But I think you're always looking to do things in the draft. That is part of the fun of it and the challenge of it."