CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - The Carolina Panthers have selected offensive guard Trai Turner from LSU in the third round of the NFL draft.
The 6-3, 310-pound Turner started 20 games for the Tigers, including 13 last season. He had 115 career knockdowns.
An NFL.com analysis said Turner plays with good overall body mass and walls off defenders and generates movement in the run game.
The Panthers are hoping Turner provides some stability at guard.
Carolina lost four guards to season-ending injuries last season - Amini Silatolu, Garry Williams, Jeff Byers and 2013 fourth-round draft pick Edmund Kugbila. Complicating matters, veterans Geoff Hangartner and Byers retired this offseason and free agent Travelle Wharton isn’t expected to re-sign.
Carolina surprisingly ignored two of its biggest needs - offensive tackle and cornerback - on day two.
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