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What They're Saying: Panthers 2016 draft grades

NFL analysts from around the league break down the Panthers 2016 draft class:

Bleacher Report: Chris Rolling writes that Vernon Butler is a great player, but adds that defensive tackle was not a need for Carolina. GRADE: C

Fox Sports: Peter Schrager writes that Oklahoma cornerback Zack Sanchez was a steal on Day 3. "Tough to poke too many holes in Carolina's draft, but also no great flash either." Schrager added that Carolina was able to add one of their top defensive tackles with the 30th pick. GRADE: B

ESPN: "Gettleman knows you can't have too much of a good thing on the defensive line," writes Mel Kiper on the selection of Vernon Butler. Kiper adds that Sanchez has a chance to be good thanks to his instincts and ball skills.GRADE: C

NFL.com: Bucky Brooks writes that each of the three drafted corners "possesses the size, athleticism and ball skills to thrive in the Panthers' zone-based system." Brooks also likes that the corners are high-football IQ players with great instincts. GRADE: B

Pro Football Focus: Steve Palazzolo likes the addition of Butler at defensive tackle, adding that he is strong against the run and can play up and down the line of scrimmage. GRADE: C

Rotoworld: Evan Silva writes that Vernon Butler is a pro-ready stud and will immediately make an impact on the Panthers' already deep defensive line rotation. Silva also likes cornerback James Bradberry's physical game but includes experience as a possible question mark. GRADE: C

SB Nation: Dan Kadar penalizes Carolina for not adding an offensive tackle, but gives solid marks to each draft pick and especially likes defensive tackle Vernon Butler and cornerback James Bradberry. Kadar writes: "Bradberry fills the void left by Josh Norman's departure and should fit in adequately in the Panthers' zone coverage schemes. He has the size, speed and ball skills to be a solid piece in a rebuilding secondary." Kadar also predicts that third-round pick Daryl Worley could see snaps at safety. GRADE: C

Sporting News: Vinnie Iyer feels Carolina did not address enough needs, but does think highly of defensive tackle Vernon Butler and cornerback James Bradberry. "This is a good group for the near future, but it's not built to give them immediate help to stay on top of the tough NFC." GRADE: C

Yahoo! Sports: Eric Edholm writes that Sanchez has a chance to be the best corner drafted by Carolina this year, adding that the Panthers' scheme is a perfect fit for the Oklahoma product. Overall, the Panthers now have depth in the secondary and did a fair job of solving issues," writes Edholm.GRADE: C

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View photos of the Panthers' first-round pick as he tours Bank of America Stadium.

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