An offensive lineman seems to be a popular pick in this year's NFL draft. The upcoming draft class features some of the best linemen in recent years and many teams are hoping to pick up at least one in order to protect their investments in franchise quarterbacks. The Carolina Panthers are no different. They intend on surrounding Cam Newton with the best protection in the league. With just five picks to work with in this year's draft, general manager Dave Gettleman does not mind walking away with the best lineman available at the time.
While the Panthers need to invest in a few offensive weapons, a big man is their target in the first round. Gettleman feels good about the wide receiver and running back prospects in later rounds, so he wants the best guy for the line right away.
"You've hear me, it's on record: Big men allow you to compete," Gettleman said.
The first year manager for Carolina believes that offensive and defensive line are the two deepest positions in this year's draft class and those guys can be game-changers for the team. The Panthers will make their first selection at No. 14 overall. The team traded away their third and seventh-round picks last season, so they do not have many to work with.
Their pick in the first round make things a bit tricky. If they want an offensive lineman like Gettleman says, Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher are the two best targets. However, they will be gone by the fifth pick. Lane Johnson out of Oklahoma ranks third overall at the position, but will be gone by the tenth round. This leaves Alabama's D.J. Fluker to land right in the lap of the Panthers. Gettleman is reportedly very interested in Fluker, knowing the team has a great chance of landing him.
Fluker has been highly scouted due to his size and ability to play anywhere on the offensive line. He part of the best offensive line in college football last season with Alabama, earning him a high draft stock immediately. At 340 pounds, Fluker started 35 games for the Crimson Tide. His ability to explode off the line at his weight makes him the ideal NFL prospect.
If Johnson is somehow available at the 14th pick, than Carolina will draft him. The first round of the draft could easily see five or more lineman be draft and the Panthers intend on joining in on the trend.
