Panthers Not Locked On Defensive Player With 1st Pick

[truebluefan]

"Panthers coach Ron Rivera will take his entire staff to Mobile, Ala., next week to scout the Senior Bowl practices.

And contrary to popular belief, the Panthers will not be limiting their focus to the defensive fields while evaluating possible prospects for their first-round pick.

The Panthers, who will pick 8th or 9th based on the outcome of a coin flip with Miami, have needs on both sides of the ball, according to general manager Marty Hurney.

"I don't think you lock yourself in to offense or defense as far as that first pick goes, and really any pick," Hurney said this week. "You have to go by your board. And we've done that and I think we've done well by doing that."

The Panthers' most pressing needs are on the defensive side. They could use another pass-rushing end, a cornerback and even a linebacker with starters Jon Beason and Thomas Davis both coming off surgeries."

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