Carolina Panthers 2013 NFL Draft Review

Apr 29, 2013 - 5:32 PM (Sports Network) -

1 (14) - Star Lotulelei, Utah; 2 (44) - Kawann Short, DT, Purdue; 4 (108) Edmund Kugbila, OG, Valdosta State; 5 (148) - A.J. Klein, ILB, Iowa State; 6 (182) - Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon

Top Picks Analysis: New general manager Dave Gettleman decided to create a defensive identity inside by selecting back-to-back defensive tackles in the first and second rounds. Lotulelei is a run-stuffer in the mold of Haloti Ngata while Short is an athletic wonder, whose motor gets questioned on occasion.

Best Value Pick: Barner has the kind of elite straight-line speed that will make a defense think twice. If Carolina can manufacture some touches for this kid in space, look out.

Questionable Calls: Kugbila doesn't move all that well and had a seventh-round or priority free agent grade from more than one scout. Why Gettleman felt the need to spend a fourth-round choice on him is a head-scratcher.

Summary: This was really a two-pick draft for the Panthers and they took care of a gaping hole at defensive tackle, something that will also benefit 2012 first-round pick Luke Kuechly, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, by keeping blockers off of him at the second level.

FINAL GRADE: B-

Undrafted rookie free agent signings: San Jose State WR Michael Avila; Wofford FB Eric Breitenstein; Louisiana Tech QB Colby Cameron; Rice TE Taylor Cook; Sam Houston State WR Trey Diller; USC DE/OLB Wes Horton; William & Mary DL Bryan Jean-Pierre; South Carolina LB Damario Jeffery; Colorado State P Pete Kontodiakos; Alabama S Robert Lester; Abilene Christian K Morgan Lineberry; Jacksonville State G Tori Mobley; Georgia Tech LS Tyler Morgan; Wheaton OT Jesse Peterson; Michigan DE Craig Roh; Louisiana Lafayette CB Melvin White; Penn State FB Michael Zordich