ess and projections of each of the Panthers 2018 draft picks. As disappointing a season this has turned out to be Christian Miller Baltimore Ravens 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), 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 Greg Olsen Jersey 2019 , 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, 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 Blue Greg Olsen Jersey , 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, 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, 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 Kawann Short Jersey 2019 , 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 made their first big splash into the free agent pool." />Skip to main contentclockmenumore-arrownoyesHorizontal - WhiteCat Scratch Readera Carolina Panthers communityLog In or Sign UpLog InSign UpFanpostsFanshotsSectionsAboutPanthersOddsShopStubHubMoreAll 322 blogs on Horizontal - WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Keep Sounding PodcastPanthers 2019 NFL DraftCSR Film RoomFiled under:Carolina Panthers free agency 2019Carolina Panthers sign quarterback Taylor Heinicke to one-year dealNew,48commentsThe Panthers have made their first big splash into the free agent pool.EDTShareTweetShareShareCarolina Panthers sign quarterback Taylor Heinicke to one-year dealThe Carolina Panthers have signed backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke to a one-year contract according to an announcement from the team’s website.The terms for the deal have not been announced, but considering that it’s a one-year deal for a backup quarterback with not a ton of game experience, chances are this contract won’t exactly be one to break the bank.Heinicke joins Kyle Allen as a backup option for franchise quarterback Cam Newton. The two are expected to compete in training camp for the No. 2 spot on the Panthers’ depth chart.There’s also a chance the Panthers use one of their draft picks to take a flyer on a backup quarterback if they find one they like, so there’s no guarantee that Heinicke will even be on the roster once the regular season begins.Stay tuned to CSR as we’ll provide the contract details once they’ve been announced.