CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have drafted cornerback Josh Norman of Coastal Carolina with the 143rd overall selection in the fifth round of the NFL draft.
The 6-foot-3, 203-pound Norman gives the Panthers added depth at cornerback behind starters Chris Gamble and Captain Munnerlyn and top reserves Brandon Hogan and Darius Butler.
The Panthers have been looking for a reliable starter opposite Gamble for the past two seasons.
A three-time All-Big South selection, Norman had 13 career interceptions. He started 39 of 46 games, recording 196 tackles with seven stops for losses and four forced fumbles. He also blocked four kicks.
As a senior he was a finalist for the Buck Buchanan award given to the top defensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision after posting 62 tackles and two interceptions.
