Panthers GM won't reach in draft to select offensive tackle

Carolina Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman refuses to alter his principles before the 2017 NFL Draft.

The Panthers were arguably the NFL's most disappointing team in 2016, slipping to 6-10 and a last-place finish in the NFC South, one year removed from a 15-1 mark and a Super Bowl appearance.

Carolina surrendered 36 sacks in 2016 and many placed fault on a rotating offensive line.

Ahead of the draft, Gettleman said he won't reach for an offensive tackle early, despite a pressing need at the position.

"In the past I've gotten killed for not drafting tackles. I'll tell you right now, if you overdraft a guy, you're going to be upset," Gettleman said via Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer.

"The coaches are going to be upset. The team is going to be upset. Everybody's going to be mad at the guy, and it's not his fault. … No, he was a sixth-round pick, and you took him in the fourth round. That's not his fault. He wasn't jumping up in front of you in the draft saying 'pick me, pick me!' You decided to take him. I just will not reach. No matter how bad the perceived need is, I'm not going to reach."

Gettleman also said that he's going to treat his current players well, in trying to construct the best roster possible.

"I have this crazy idea that these guys pour out their sweat and blood for us and the least we can do is treat them respectfully. We're gonna look, but it’s more a function of making sure you build your team as strong as you can, because the backups play."