PHOTOS: Best late round draft picks in Panthers history
Look back at some of the standout players the Panthers drafted in rounds four through seven over the years.
In 2012, the Panthers used the 143rd overall pick to draft cornerback Josh Norman in the fifth round. During his four years in Carolina, Norman quickly blossomed into one of the league's best cornerbacks, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors during the Panthers run to Super Bowl 50 in 2015.
The Panthers drafted safety Tre Boston in the fourth round of the 2014 draft with the 128th overall pick. Since then, Boston has become a fan favorite during both his stints in Carolina, establishing "Thieves Avenue" and always bringing the energy. Plus, his three interceptions in 2019 tied for a team high.
In 2013, the Panthers drafted linebacker A.J. Klein in the fifth round with the 148th overall pick. Klein became one of the Panthers most reliable special teams players and a solid contributor at linebacker.
The Panthers selected punter Brad Nortman 207th overall during the sixth round of the 2012 draft. Nortman served as the Panthers starting punter for all four of his years in Carolina, twice ranking in the top 10 league-wide in gross punting average.
In the seventh round of the 2009 draft, the Panthers used the 216th overall pick to select cornerback Captain Munnerlyn. Over the course of his first stint in Carolina from 2009 to 2013, Munnerlyn recorded a team-high five defensive touchdowns. Munnerlyn later returned to Carolina in 2017 and 2018.
The Panthers selected tight end Jeff King with the 155th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2006 draft. King provided stability at the tight end position for Carolina, as both a blocker and a receiver.
The Panthers drafted offensive lineman Geoff Hangartner with the 169th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2005 draft. Hangartner spent seven of his nine NFL seasons with Carolina, where he proved versatility, playing at center, guard and tackle.
The Panthers selected wide receiver Drew Carter with the 163rd overall pick during the fifth round of the 2004 draft. Injuries plagued Carter's four-year career, but they didn't stop him from ranking second on the team in receiving yards and touchdowns during his time in Carolina.
The Panthers drafted defensive back Colin Branch with the 119th overall pick during the fourth round of the 2003 draft. In 2004, Branch picked off three passes to help the Panthers defense lead the NFL with 26 interceptions.
The Panthers selected defensive tackle Kindal Moorehead 145th overall during the fifth round of the 2003 draft. Moorehead spent five years in Carolina and provided depth on the defensive line. In 2005, he recorded a career-high 5.0 sacks.
The Panthers drafted defensive back Dante Wesley in the fourth round of the 2002 draft with the 100th overall pick. Wesley spent his first four years in Carolina, before returning for another three-year stint in 2007.
The Panthers selected linebacker Lester Towns 221st overall in the seventh round of the 2000 draft. Towns spent four years as a Panther, leading the team in tackles with 86 stops in 2001.
Carolina used the 106th overall pick in the 1998 draft to select wide receiver Donald Hayes. In 2001, Hayes led the Panthers with 597 receiving yards.
The Panthers used the 228th overall pick to draft tight end Kris Mangum in 1997, and the seventh rounder turned it into a 10-year career in Carolina. In 2004, Mangum recorded career highs across the board, hauling in 34 passes for 323 yards and three touchdowns.
The Panthers selected defensive back Chad Cota with the 209th overall pick in the seventh round of the 1995 draft. In 1996, Cota tied for a team-high five interceptions – including one to clinch victory and the NFC West title in the regular season finale against the Steelers.
