Cam Newton won the Rookie of the Year award last season, and after two preseason games, the Panthers look like they might have an outside shot at keeping the award in Carolina another year.
The Panthers appear to have landed at least two starters in the draft, and possibly three, as well as two other players who might make an impact on special teams.
Top pick: LB Luke Kuechly (first round, No. 9 overall) -- The Panthers needed work on defense, and Kuechly is a dependable tackler with a nose for the ball. Kuechly has seven tackles, a forced fumble and a pass defensed in the 29 plays he’s been in the game. Grade: A
No. 2 pick: OG Amini Silatolu (second round, No. 40 overall) -- He came out of Division II Midwestern State, but the 6-4, 315-pound Silatolu has been a starter from the moment he arrived in Charlotte. Silatolu has been as solid and dependable during the first two preseason games as he was in practice. He had a holding penalty against Miami, which might have been his first mistake as a pro. Grade: A-
No. 3 pick: DE Frank Alexander (fourth round, No. 103 overall) -- The Panthers traded up to take Alexander in the draft. The former Sooner entered both preseason games in the second quarter and received extensive time. He sacked Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill and has three tackles. He should see time in the defensive end rotation. Grade: B
Later in the draft, Carolina added CB Josh Norman, who started the second preseason game and looks to be on the verge of taking Captain Munnerlyn’s starting job on a permanent basis. Return man Joe Adams and punter Brad Nortman also have a good chance of winning roles on Carolina’s special teams.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Carolina Panthers from blogger Shawn Krest, follow@CBSSportsNFLCAR.
