Carolina Panthers take Miami defensive tackle Kendrick Norton with final NFL draft pick
.JPG "University of Miami Hurricane's defensive tackle Kendrick Norton (7) runs drills during Miami's Pro Day at the Dolphins' practice facility in Davie on Wednesday, March 28, 2018.")
Kendrick Norton
Kendrick Norton
Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 314.
Position: Defensive tackle.
College: Miami.
What he offers: Incredible strength (30 combine bench press reps of 225 pounds) and size means Norton will fit right into a professional locker room. He's more of a gap-stuffer than a true pass-rusher, but he has flashed the ability to shut down the run. Could have been selected higher in the draft, but didn't have the production in 2017 that scouts were expecting.
Worth mentioning: Had 10 tackles for loss in 2016, but only five sacks in his entire college career.
Bet you didn’t know: He was teammates with fellow Panthers draft choice Andre Smith (UNC) in high school at Jacksonville Trinity Christian.
What they’re saying: "He gets into the backfield on occasion. ... As a pass-rusher, he's not going to give you a lot of that, but he's flashed." — ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.
This story was originally published April 28, 2018 at 6:51 PM with the headline "Carolina Panthers take Miami defensive tackle Kendrick Norton with final NFL draft pick."