CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- If history is any indication, the player Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney selects with the 24th pick in Thursday's NFL draft will have a long and successful career.
And most of those years will be with the Panthers.
Of the 10 first-rounders Hurney selected from 2002-12 in his first go-around as the general manager, eight went on to make at least one Pro Bowl, topped by defensive end Julius Peppers with nine. Eight got at least a second contract.
Two, Peppers and middle linebacker Luke Kuechly, were NFL Defensive Rookies of the Year.