Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers: Focus Areas Coming Into 2017 NFL Combine

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 1:40 p.m. ET

Fansided, Raphael Garcia/FanSided via NFL Spin Zone

In trying to figure out how to approach their 2017 draft, where should the Carolina Panthers be focusing at the 2017 NFL Combine.

With the 2017 NFL Combine starting this week, there are key areas in which all teams have in mind. The Carolina Panthers are coming off of a disappointing season and need to fill key positions to continue to build toward the future.

Looking at the current Panthers roster, the team should be focused on improving the offensive line, defensive line and the running back based on what they see in the next few days at the Combine. Each one of these areas represents a void that requires immediate addressing.

The Panthers are set to draft from the No. 8 position and many experts are looking at running back Leonard Fournette as the pick to take. Jonathan Stewart is 30 years old and, even though he rushed for more than 800 yards, many are wondering if his days with the organization are numbered. Fournette has the abilities to be a franchise running back for the team. Cameron Artis-Payne hasn't blossomed as far as he was expected at this point, and Carolina is looking for a long-term replacement and another playmaker on their offense.

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The offensive line also needs some boosting through the NFL Draft. Many of the woes that the Panthers experienced this year on offense are due to the line's inability to protect Cam Newton. Newton was pressured and hit so frequently that concerns for his health became apparent throughout much of the league.

Carolina's rushing game was also impacted to the frequent shifts needed to fill in for the injuries that hampered this unit. This draft may be sparse with standout offensive lineman, but Carolina should be on the lookout for a player whose stock soars during the NFL Combine.

The Panthers made moves this week to keep the defensive line consistent by re-signing Mario Addison and Wes Horton, while using the franchise tag on Kawann Short. That still leaves space in the defensive backfield.

James Bradberry and Daryl Worley greatly improved throughout their rookie years and their development is an interesting story of 2017. But, that doesn't mean that Carolina will not make a move to find another option in the defensive backfield. Since losing Josh Norman and Charles Tillman, there is a major need for a defensive playmaker and the Panthers may find an option during the Combine this week.

Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman has used the draft to fill needs, rather than look to free agency and this year should be more of the same course. That process starts with reviewing the action at the NFL Combine. After the next week of measurements, interviews and testing the Carolina Panthers may have a more clear direction as to how they will fill out their big draft board.

In doing so, the Panthers will have to focus on key areas that include the offensive line, running back and the defensive backfield while observing the combine this week. Coming into the event with players to watch is one part of it, but once everything is done there's no telling who may dramatically increase their draft stock.