It's mock draft season. Prepare grains of salt accordingly.
Over the next two months, you'll see draft experts throwing darts at the Carolina Panthers' No. 30 spot in the first round. Of course, the reality is no team — not even the Titans at No. 1 — is close to making a call on what it's going to do come Apr. 28.
Now that we're three years into Dave Gettleman's regime as Carolina's general manager, we have a big enough sample size to know this — it's silly to predict what he's going to do just yet. Sure, the Panthers have needs, so matching those positions with draft prospects who may be around late in the first round is the easy play. But Gettleman's more immediate goal is to plug up his team's biggest holes via free agency.
So as draft hype ramps up this week with the start of the NFL Combine, it's important to remember the importance of all this is a bit out of order. What Gettleman and the Panthers do when they get back from Indianapolis is what will ultimately set their table for the draft.
Consider this: When the Panthers entered last year's offseason, they vowed to shore up special teams. They also needed an offensive tackle, a speedy receiver/returner, a cornerback and a safety.
Here's what they did from Mar. 6-Apr. 9:
Special teams
- Extended quarterback Joe Webb
- Signed cornerback Teddy Williams
- Signed linebacker Jason Trusnik
- Signed receiver Jarrett Boykin
- Signed running back Jordan Todman
Offensive tackle
- Signed Michael Oher
- Added Jonathan Martin via waivers
Receiver/returner
- Signed Ted Ginn Jr.
Cornerback
- Signed Charles Tillman
Safety
- Signed Kurt Coleman
With their needs filled, the Panthers then shocked most experts by using their first-round pick on Shaq Thompson. Did they need a linebacker? Of course not. But that's part of Gettleman's plan to build a consistent winner.
So with the 2016 shopping season about to begin, it's not too difficult to predict which positions he could address ahead of the draft.
Quarterback — No.
Running back — Decent chance. As much as fans are intrigued by Cameron Artis-Payne and Brandon Wegher, the Panthers would like to add a seasoned veteran alongside Jonathan Stewart. Think someone cheaper than Doug Martin but with more experience than Jordan Todman.
Wide receiver — Sure. Of the 36 free agents Gettleman has signed before the draft, eight have been wideouts. Just don't expect a big splash like Alshon Jeffery.
Tight end — Maybe. Someone needs to compete with Scott Simonson for the No. 3 role.
Offensive line — Yes. Yet again, the entire NFL expects the Panthers to look for tackle help. A backup center would be a good idea, too. Ryan Kalil should have a few good years left, but he turns 31 in March and he's probably facing a contract restructure.
Defensive line — Defensive end ... duh. How much Gettleman's willing to spend for help there is the big mystery. The only end he's signed in the pre-draft period was Alex Hall in 2014.
Linebacker — Nah. Unless it's another special teams ace kinda guy.
Defensive back — Gosh yes. Here's the cornerbacks under contract for 2016: Bené Benwikere, Robert McClain, Teddy Williams, Lou Young. So even if/when Josh Norman is slapped with the franchise tag, there's plenty of room for help. And at safety, Eric Weddle's past with Ron Rivera and Steve Wilks makes him an obvious target, but Gettleman will only do it if the price is right.
To recap: a running back, a receiver, an offensive tackle, a center, a defensive end, a cornerback and a safety. If Carolina can check those positions off their to-do list, they'll be in good shape to go best player available at the end of April.
It may not be sexy, but after the Panthers' past three drafts, it sure seems effective.