In 2010, the Carolina Panthers went 2-14 and thus got to go first in each round of the next year’s NFL draft. What did that get them? Cam Newton, with the first overall pick, obviously. But beyond that, not much.
Earlier this week, the Panthers released Zachary Williams, an offensive lineman who the Panthers took near the end of the 6th round of the draft. He’s the fifth of the eight players draft in 2011 to be cut. Previously released were Terrell McClain (DT, 1st pick of the 3rd round), Brandon Hogan (CB, 1st pick of the 4th round), Lawrence Wilson (LB, 1st pick of the 5th round), and Lee Ziemba (OT, 41st pick of 7th round).
Besides Newton still with the team for now are defensive tackle Sione Fua and wide receiver Kealoha Pilares. And I say “for now” as the Panthers took defensive tackles in the first two rounds of this year’s draft, suggesting they don’t think Fua is really the answer. The Panthers have a ton of options at wide receiver and for kickoff returns, so Pilares’ future is also uncertain at best.
The Panthers simply have to draft better than this is they are going to make the playoffs again.
