You know the drill by now. When NFL Draft grades are handed out moments after the draft concludes, they must be taken with a grain of salt. With that in mind, here's how some analysts evaluated Carolina's 2015 draft class.
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN.com
Grade: C
Kiper wasn't high on linebacker Shaq Thompson or wide receiver Devin Funchess prior to the draft, so his grade doesn't come as a surprise. He also wanted Carolina to select an offensive tackle with one of those first two picks. Kiper believes the Panthers added "useful pieces" but continues to assert the offensive line is an issue.
Eric Edholm, Yahoo Sports
Grade: C-
Edholm likes the Daryl Williams selection the fourth round, writing that the offensive tackle from Oklahoma has "great power and versatility." But he questions the decision to trade up for Funchess in the second round and comes to the conclusion that "needs were bypassed for talent."
Doug Farrar, SI.com
Grade: B-
Farrar thinks Thompson and Funchess will fit nicely. He describes Thompson as a "highly athletic player who covers well," and Funchess as a "big-bodied receiver" who will help quarterback Cam Newton. He also likes the quality depth the other three draft choices should provide.
Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com
Grade: C+
Prisco is a big fan of Carolina's new offensive tackle. "I love fourth-round tackle Daryl Williams," he wrote. But he wanted the Panthers to address more perceived needs on day one and day two. "Good players," he wrote, "but weird positions."
Evan Silva, Rotoworld.com
Grade: C+
While he admits he wasn't very high on Thompson or Funchess during the pre-draft evaluation process, Silva was complimentary of the Panthers' draft class. "I do believe needs were addressed and am aware that my own player evaluations can be imprecise," Silva wrote. General manager Dave Gettleman made two big trades to move up and get the players he wanted, but Silva wanted Carolina to use more picks to address needs.
