2018 NFL Draft: Carolina Panthers select Jermaine Carter with the No. 161 overall pick

The Carolina Panthers have selected former Maryland linebacker Jermaine Carter with the No. 161 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Carter is a 6’0”, 228 lbs linebacker who should be a solid addition to the Panthers special teams unit and could potentially grow into a larger role with the team with time.

Here’s a look at his career at Maryland

- 3x Honorobale Mention All-Big Ten (2015-17)

- 2017 Second Team All-ECAC

- 2017 Bednarik Award Watch List

- 2017 Butkus Award Watch List

- 2017 Athlon Sports Third Team Preseason All-Big Ten

- 2016 Butkus Award Watch List

Career: Started all 37 games at middle linebacker from 2015 to 2017 ... Led the team in tackles three consecutive seasons, becoming the fifth Maryland player since 1969 to achieve the feat, joining Alex Wujciak (2008-10), D’Qwell Jackson (2003-05), E.J. Henderson (2000-02) and Ratcliff Thomas (1993-95).

My take

It’s hard to complain about a pick in the bottom of the fifth round, but Carolina’s refusal to address the lack of depth on the offensive line is concerning. I don’t hate this pick, but I don’t really like it either. I think the Panthers could have done better.

Panthers 2018 draft picks

Round 1 - No. 24 overall
Round 2 - No. 55 overall
Round 3 - No. 85 overall (from BUF)
Round 4 - No. 101 overall
Round 4 - No. 136 overall
Round 5 - No. 161 overall
Round 7 - No. 234 overall (from LAC)
Round 7 - No. 242 overall

Panthers top five needs

Safety
Cornerback
Guard
Wide receiver
Defensive end