ojections of each of the Panthers 2018 draft picks. As disappointing a season this has turned out to be Stitched Cameron Artis-Payne Jersey , there is a lot to look forward to with the young talent on this team. The 2018 Draft may go down as one of the best this franchise has had from top to bottom, with multiple contributors on both sides of the ball. Let’s take a look at how these guys finished the season up against their earlier projections. Grades are based on production relative to draft position. In other words, how strong was the Panthers return on investment on a round-by-round basis?D.J. Moore, WR (Round 1, Pick 24, No. 24 overall)Week 13 breakdown: Since Week 7, D.J. Moore and Cam Newton have been able to develop solid chemistry as his responsibilities continue to increase on a week-to-week basis. To put in perspective how much D.J.’s production has improved since my last report, his season’s receiving yards projection has increased by 60%.Week 13 outlook: With Devin Funchess’ impending departure via free agency, D.J. Moore should be the Panthers No. 1 receiver in 2019... if he isn’t already.Final statistics16 games playedReceiving55 receptions on 82 targets (67% catch rate) Youth Fozzy Whittaker Jersey , 788 yards, 2 touchdownsRushing172 yards on 13 attempts, 13.23 ypcFinal grade: A-D.J. Moore provides this team with number one receiver potential going into 2019. He finishes the season as the highest graded rookie wide-out by Pro Football Focus. You can see Moore’s progression as the game slowed down for him in the graphs above. His production did taper off in the last third of the season, correlating strongly with the deterioration of Cam Newton’s shoulder. With Devin Funchess being a healthy scratch in Week 17 and his impending free agency, you’d have to think his time in Carolina has come to an end. Look for Moore’s sophomore season to be even stronger as he takes on additional responsibility in Norv Turner’s offense. Donte Jackson, CB (Round 2, Pick 23, No. 55 overall)Week 13 breakdown: Similar to the defense as a unit, Jackson has seen a drop-off from his hot start to the season. Regardless Stitched Fozzy Whittaker Jersey , he has the tools to be a great player in this league.Week 13 outlook: The inevitable rookie wall and injuries have slowed down his projections, but Jackson can still finish strong and look to build on a fantastic rookie season.Final statistics 16 games played4 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 9 passes defensed73 tackles1 sweet pick-twoFinal grade: AAnalysis: Donte Jackson looks like he can be a lock-down corner in this league for a long time and the Panthers have to feel lucky that he fell to them in the second round. The play of Jackson and Bradberry this season gives the Panthers one less position group to worry about addressing this off-season, especially with the impending return of Ross Cockrell.Rashaan Gaulden, S (Round 3, Pick 21, No. 85 overall)Week 13 breakdown: Gaulden has kept the exact same pace and honestly, there’s not much to say here. He seems to be a decent depth piece behind two veteran safeties.Week 13 outlook: Rashaan could potentially see more time at nickel if Rivera looks to shake up coverage schemes and personnel Youth Daryl Williams Jersey , but I’d expect more of an impact to come next season. Final statistics15 games played18 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 0 interceptionsFinal grade: CGaulden didn’t have much of an impact this season. With the potential departures of 37-year-old Mike Adams and Eric Reid at the safety position, Carolina will have to make some big decisions regarding this group moving forward. Gaulden’s tape from this season should have a substantial impact on these decisions.Ian Thomas, TE (Round 4, Pick 1, No. 101 overall) Week 13 breakdown: Thomas’ numbers tapered off after the return of Greg Olsen, but should steadily increase now that Greg is out for the year.Week 13 outlook: The future is here and we will see how bright it is. Jason Witten hasn’t done us any favors.Final statistics16 games played36 receptions on 49 targets (73% catch rate), 333 yards Stitched Daryl Williams Jersey , 2 touchdowns Final grade: A-Ian Thomas got better and better as the year went on. When Greg Olsen went down with his season-ending injury in Tampa, Thomas filled in admirably.The rookie continued to produce regardless of who was playing quarterback and emerged as a red zone threat in the Panthers final three games. With Olsen’s future in doubt, Carolina should feel comfortable with Ian Thomas as their starter moving forward. This was a fantastic pick on the third day of the draft. Marquis Haynes, DE (Round 4, Pick 36, No. 136 overall)Week 13 breakdown: Haynes has been activated for two games since Week Seven and has not produced much (one tackle).Week 13 outlook: Project pass rusher who may struggle to maintain a roster spot in next year’s training camp.Final statistics4 games played4 tackles, 0 sacksFinal grade: C-Haynes’ size is an issue at the next level, where he wasn’t able to produce much pressure in his limited opportunities. At 6’2” 235 lbs., Marquis will need to develop much better technique in order to mask his physical shortcomings and make the roster in 2019. The Panthers have added a familiar face to the running back room on a one-year deal." Carolina Panthers free agency 2019Carolina Panthers re-sign running back Cameron Artis-Payne to one-year contractNew Youth Michael Palardy Jersey ,187commentsThe Panthers have added a familiar face to the running back room on a one-year deal.EDTShare this storyShare this on FacebookShare this on TwitterShareAll sharing optionsShareAll sharing options for:Carolina Panthers re-sign running back Cameron Artis-Payne to one-year contractTwitterFacebookRedditPocketFlipboardEmailThe Carolina Panthers have re-signed free agent running back Cameron Artis-Payne to a one-year contract, the team has announced.Artis-Payne is excited to stay in Carolina for one more year.The Panthers drafted Artis-Payne in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft and he has been used as a backup option to Jonathan Stewart and Christian McCaffrey ever since. He only has 118 carries for 491 yards and five touchdowns since joining the Panthers, but when he does get a chance to play he shows positive traits that would normally encourage the coaches to give him more playing time. For unknown reasons, however, that additional playing time has never materialized.Unless this is a super cheap one-year deal, this is a puzzling move by the Panthers since the coaching staff never uses Artis-Payne on game day unless a minimum of four other running backs have been injured. I guess Ron Rivera wants to take an opportunity to get another look at what CAP can do for the Panthers this season. Whether we actually get that look or not is yet to be determined.What do you think, Panthers fans? Do you like this move? Share your thoughts with us.
