The Carolina Panthers didn't finish the 2015 season the way they wanted to with them hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, but they have a talented roster returning for the 2016 season and should be considered one of the heavy favorites to come out of the NFC.
The Panthers dominated on both sides of the ball during the 2015 season, as they finished the regular season with the highest scoring offense in the league while their defense gave up the sixth fewest points. Despite an incredible 15-1 record last season, the Panthers front office is looking to reload the roster heading into the 2016 season, as they have multiple needs they are looking to fill, both through free agency and in the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft.
Carolina has needs on its offensive and defensive lines while also having needs in their secondary and at the running back position. The Panthers likely aren't desperate to fill any position on their roster in the upcoming draft, and they should take the best player available, as they look to add to their already loaded roster. One player Panthers fans should keep an eye out for in the lead-up to the draft is USC hybrid linebacker Su'a Cravens.
Carolina is reportedly showing "scary interest" in the USC linebacker, and he could make a strong fit in the Panthers defense. The 6-foot-1, 226-pound Trojans linebacker recorded 86 total tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks and two interceptions while forcing two fumbles in his junior season.
"He's a lot of fun to watch because he processes quickly like an NFL linebacker and then just fires into the play," one former NFL general manager said. "I've never really cared about the size at WILL, I just want to know if they have the instincts and can run and make plays. That's it. He can do that."
The USC linebacker has drawn comparisons with Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David, who has been a force in Tampa Bay, recording over 130 combined tackles every season since being drafted. While Cravens may not have the immediate impact that David had in Tampa Bay, there is no doubting his talent and instincts, as he should develop into an impact playmaker on the defensive side of the ball in the league.
Cravens could make a strong fit in Carolina's defense and could play safety or outside linebacker at the next level. The Panthers could look to groom Cravens behind veteran weakside linebacker Thomas Davis, who is entering his 12th season, or they could look to use him as a safety as he has experience with both positions. The USC linebacker may be one of the most intriguing prospects in this year's draft class, and he should have a bright NFL future ahead of him.
