The Panthers have locked up their second-round draft pick.
First-round draft pick signing tracker
No. 1 pick Jadeveon Clowney has yet to sign with the Texans. Find out which first-rounders have contracts secured. **More...**
Carolina announced Thursday the signing of No. 60 overall pick Kony Ealy, who instantly beefs up one of the NFL's stingiest defenses.
The defensive end starred at Missouri, and with his long frame and burst off the snap, Ealy was projected by many draftniks to go in the first round. Though he dropped in the draft, he should contribute to the NFL's best front seven right away, spelling pass rushers Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson.
The 6-5, 275-pound Ealy also provides valuable insurance to Hardy, who is facing a misdemeanor assault charge and is playing on the franchise tag this season.
The latest "Around The League Podcast" breaks down the news and discusses players who could be summertime trade targets.