Niner Noise
FanSided

2018 NFL Draft: Breaking down the top need for each team

By Peter Panacy

NEW YORK - APRIL 26: A ball and helmets are seen in front of the podium prior to the start of the 2008 NFL Draft on April 26, 2008 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - APRIL 26: A ball and helmets are seen in front of the podium prior to the start of the 2008 NFL Draft on April 26, 2008 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – NOVEMBER 05: James Bradberry #24 of the Carolina Panthers tackles Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons during their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – NOVEMBER 05: James Bradberry #24 of the Carolina Panthers tackles Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons during their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Carolina Panthers. . team. 87. . Cornerback.

The Carolina Panthers have a number of needs on both sides of the ball heading into the 2018 NFL Draft, but the top should be at cornerback.

Carolina never truly recovered from the loss of cornerback Josh Norman in 2016, and current starters James Bradberry and Daryl Worley haven’t exactly turned into the ballhawking-type defensive backs one would ideally like to have here.

While both players are young (Bradberry — 24 years old, and Worley — 22 years old), targeting a true shutdown corner would be a great boost to this defense.

Especially considering the Panthers have to face off against quarterbacks Matt Ryan and Drew Brees twice a year.

The Panthers could look to find an upgrade over left tackle Matt Kalil, as well as finding a new go-to wide receiver after trading away Kelvin Benjamin earlier this season.

But cornerback should be atop the list of needs.