![Steve Smith played 13 seasons for the Panthers. [Image Source: Flickr | Guy Harbert]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2019/3/26/660x290/b_502x220x82/steve-smith-played-13-seasons-for-the-panthers-image-source-flickr-guy-harbert_2235331.jpg "Steve Smith played 13 seasons for the Panthers. [Image Source: Flickr | Guy Harbert]")
After looking at the best recent draft picks for teams that occupy the first 15 selections in April’s draft, it’s time to look at the Panthers who have the 16th pick. Ryan Wilson, of CBS Sports, has them selecting offensive tackle Jonah Williams, out of Alabama, with that pick in his latest mock draft.
The Panthers have made the playoffs seven times, since 2000, including two trips to the Super Bowl. Winning the NFC twice couldn’t have happened without all the success Carolina has enjoyed in the draft. This list is so loaded that players such as Kawann Short, DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Josh Norman, and Christian McCaffrey (although he will likely make the cut with a couple more good seasons) were unable to crack it.
Note: Only time with the Panthers is considered for this list. Where they were drafted makes a difference - meaning this isn’t exactly a "top-ten players drafted by Carolina since 2000" list. Some late-round picks that didn’t quite make the list but had solid careers with the team include Geoff Hangartner (fifth round, 2005), Captain Munnerlyn (seventh round, 2009), Greg Hardy (sixth round, 2010), and Josh Norman (fifth round, 2012).
Steve Smith, WR - 3rd round, 74th overall (2001); time with Panthers: 2001-2013
Smith easily holds team records with 836 catches for 12,197 yards and 67 touchdowns in his 13 years with the Panthers. Named a Pro Bowler five times with the team, he led the NFL with 103 receptions, 1,563 receiving yards, and 12 receiving touchdowns in 2005.
Julius Peppers, DE - 1st round, 2nd overall (2002); time with Panthers: 2002-2009, 2017-2018
Announcing his retirement after the 2018 season, Peppers ranks fifth all-time with 159.5 career sacks (97 of which as a member of the Panthers). The superb pass-rusher finished with at least 10.5 sacks in seven of his 10 years with Carolina.
Cam Newton, QB - 1st round, 1st overall (2011); time with Panthers: 2011-present
Owning a career 68-53-1 record as a starting quarterback, Newton helped guide the Panthers to the Super Bowl during his 2015 MVP season. Thus, he has thrown 182 touchdown passes while also adding 58 scores on the ground.
Luke Kuechly, LB - 1st round, 9th overall (2012); time with Panthers: 2012-present
Named Defensive Player of the Year in 2013, Kuechly already owns six Pro Bowl nods and five First Team All-Pro appearances in just seven seasons. Twice he has led the league in tackles, and he also has intercepted the opposing quarterback 16 times.
Ryan Kalil, C - 2nd round, 59th overall (2007); time with Panthers: 2007-2018
After 12 seasons, 145 starts, and five Pro Bowl appearances, Kalil announced his retirement after his long tenure with the Panthers. 247Sports recently reported how he felt about Carolina's signing of Matt Paradis to replace him at his long-time position of center.
Thomas Davis, LB - 1st round, 14th overall (2005); time with Panthers: 2005-2018
One of the unquestioned leaders of the Panthers defense for nearly a decade and a half, Davis made three straight Pro Bowl teams later in his career from 2015-2017. Five straight seasons, he recorded at least 105 tackles from 2012-2016.
Jordan Gross, OT - 1st round, 8th overall (2003); time with Panthers: 2003-2013
In eight of Gross' 11 seasons, he played (and started) in all 16 of Carolina's games. The offensive tackle started 167 games altogether and was named to three Pro Bowls.
Trai Turner, G - 3rd round, 92nd overall (2014); time with Panthers: 2014-present
In each of his last four seasons, Turner has been recognized as a Pro Bowler. He has made life much easier for Cam Newton, as well as Christian McCaffrey and other runners on the Panthers.
Kris Jenkins, DT - 2nd round, 44th overall (2001); time with Panthers: 2001-2007
Named to back-to-back First Team All-Pro teams in 2002-2003, Jenkins was one of the best run-stuffers in his heyday. He also got to the quarterback 20.5 times for sacks in his seven seasons with the Panthers.
Jon Beason, LB - 1st round, 25th overall (2007); time with Panthers: 2007-2013
Starting all 64 of Carolina's games in his first four seasons, Beason was rewarded with Pro Bowl appearances and as a First Team All-Pro member in 2008. In each of his first four years, the middle linebacker recorded at least 121 tackles.
