Thoughts on this draft class:

“The tackle group is deep. And what’s nice about the tackle group it appears right now that there’s depth throughout. Last year you had the top five and then you had the Ohio State guy, there wasn’t just that lengthy list of depth. Wide receiver group again, it’s a function of the college game. And it’s pretty darn deep, the wide receiver group. All shapes and sizes, whatever you’re looking for you should find be able to find, and you’re going to get value. The running backs, it’s a quality group. Like the tackles and wide receivers, depth throughout. And there’s a real interesting crop of defensive linemen, which you know doesn’t upset me.”

What it means:

While many draft experts predicted the Panthers would take a tackle last year, Gettleman wasn’t thrilled about many of the guys past the top level. This year’s group isn’t as top-heavy, a nice coincidence for a team you could argue should take two tackles. There aren’t as many elite receivers as last year, but there are plenty of good ones available. It wouldn’t be at all shocking if Gettleman pulled the trigger on a defensive lineman in the first round, and even though he didn’t mention these groups, he could also have his eye on defensive backs and an eventual replacement for linebacker Thomas Davis.