The Panthers came away as one of the winners of Day One, plucking a franchise running back to replace DeShaun Foster in Oregon’s Jonathan Stewart and then finding him a powerful drive blocker in Pittsburgh OT Jeff Otah with the 19th pick. Carolina sacrificed future considerations, sending the Eagles their 2009 first-round choice, in order to get Otah, which conveyed the urgency to win GM Marty Hurney and head coach John Fox are feeling. Stewart is the workhorse the Panthers needed to establish an effective 1-2 punch with RB DeAngelo Williams. With Otah in place as the likely right tackle, OT Jordan Gross will shift back to the left side and Travelle Wharton will move inside to play left guard. Iowa CB Charles Godfrey is also an instant-impact addition who could have the opportunity to start right away if he’s moved to free safety, where he played early in his career as a Hawkeye. Carolina had another good value pick in the third round, taking Penn State OLB Dan Connor, who has the desire and instincts to help replace Dan Morgan. Louisville TE Gary Barnidge is a big target who could become a favorite of Jake Delhomme’s in the red zone. Wisconsin’s Nick Hayden adds some much-needed depth at defensive tackle. Hilee Taylor lined up at end in college but projects to “Sam” linebacker in the pros. Carolina beefed up the offensive line with its final two picks. Oregon OT Geoff Schwartz has good size and power and is a small-scale steal in the seventh round. Mackenzy Bernadeau has the athleticism to play guard or tackle.
