Before the Carolina Panthers surprisingly rescinded Josh Norman’s franchise tag on Wednesday, the team was looking at offensive line, defensive line and defensive back as its top three needs in next week’s NFL draft.
That remains true after the Panthers’ bombshell, and Carolina general manager Dave Gettleman did little to hide it.
Gettleman, leading his fourth draft with Carolina, praised the offensive and defensive line groups in this year’s draft. And it’s conceivable the Panthers target a player in one of those groups in next week’s first round.
“(Former Giants coach) Tom Coughlin said big men allow you to compete,” Gettleman said, speaking specifically about defensive linemen.