Hurtin' for: a defensive end and a safety
Here are the current competitors for the starting spot opposite Julius Peppers: Stanley McClover, Charles Johnson and free-agent addition Tyler Brayton. I'll excuse you if you've never heard of any of them. The trio has combined for seven career sacks, six of them coming in Brayton's first three (of five) years in the league. Johnson garnered two starts at the end of his rookie season in 2007 and boasts a matching two career tackles. Mike Rucker's departure – though no one else has signed him yet – means someone new will have to start on the right side. Peppers was bad enough last year without having nobody over there. Fortunately for Carolina, this class of ends looks very strong at the top.

At safety, Chris Harris was fine last year, but the best the team could do to fill a gaping hole at free safety was Terrence Holt. That's the same guy who hasn't been good enough to stick in Detroit or Arizona the past two years. He might as well change his first name to Stopgap. Unfortunately for the Panthers, they'll be hard pressed to find an immediate starter in this class.

Should be lookin' for: a left tackle
This is the only other position that the Panthers could sensibly pursue with the 13th overall pick, though I think they could find a guy in Round 2. Travelle Wharton re-signed, but rumor has it that the team would like to move him to guard. Jordan Gross could also play on the left, but he has fared better to date at right tackle. Another first-day pick up front could make the offensive line a real strength, especially if Ryan Kalil can prove ready to take over at center.

Will likely settle for: skill-position players
The team needs another running back to join DeAngelo Williams and LaBrandon Toefield, preferably another with a fun prefix on his first name. A second-day quarterback would be a good idea, too, just in case Matt Moore doesn't prove to be more than a good backup and as insurance on Jake Delhomme's elbow. Receiver could be fine if D.J. Hackett can stay healthy and Dwayne Jarrett grows up, but another body there wouldn't hurt. Finally, another quality corner could help solidify a position that has been up and down in recent seasons. The Panthers are solid enough there that they could take a chance on someone such as San Jose State's Dwight Lowery, and they're just needy enough that it would help if he pans out.

Matt Schauf is a contributing writer for Draft Stock and an associate editor and senior NFL writer for SportsBuff.com