National Football League

Panthers take 3rd straight cornerback in Oklahoma's Sanchez

Published Apr. 30, 2016 3:38 p.m. ET

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Carolina Panthers selected their third straight cornerback in the NFL draft, taking Zack Sanchez from Oklahoma in the fifth round on Saturday.

The 5-foot-11, 179-pound Sanchez had 13 interceptions and 88 tackles in his final two seasons with the Sooners and was a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award last season.

The Panthers previously selected Louisiana Tech defensive tackle Vernon Butler in the first round before taking cornerbacks James Bradberry from Samford and Daryl Worley from West Virginia in the second and third rounds, respectively.

''I had a feeling this would be the landing spot for me,'' said Sanchez, who got a positive vibe after meeting coach Ron Rivera prior to the draft.

It marks the first time the NFC champion Panthers have ever drafted players that play the same position with three consecutive picks.

The Panthers are looking to fill the void left by All-Pro Josh Norman, who signed as a free agent with the Washington Redskins after the team abruptly rescinded its franchise tag offer. Charles Tillman, last year's other starting cornerback, is not expected to return after knee surgery.

Sanchez said he was ''born with the ability to make plays.''

He had 15 interceptions in his three-year career with the Sooners.

''This is a top 10 defense in the NFL and I want to be a part of it,'' Sanchez said.

Sanchez isn't worried about the team taking three cornerbacks, although he acknowledged he wants to improve as a tackler. He said it expects the three rookies will push each other to get better.

''I'm just ready to work my tail off and get on the field whether I was the first or the last cornerback they drafted,'' Sanchez said.

Carolina has one pick remaining - a seventh round selection (252nd overall).

Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman traded the team's fourth round pick Friday night as part of a deal to move up to get Worley in the third round.

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