"The facts suggest the Carolina Panthers will look for help on defense at the top of April's NFL draft.

After injuries to several key starters, the team allowed franchise records in points, touchdowns, total yards and passing yards in 2011. That leads most analysts to predict Carolina's first pick, set to be either eighth or ninth, will be a cornerback or a defensive lineman.

But as the team's draft preparations begin in earnest with this week's Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., general manager Marty Hurney said the Panthers are keeping an open mind.

"I think we have needs really in all phases," Hurney said. "The first pick is the same year to year. I think you have to pick an impact player there and you have to hit on the first-round pick."

Carolina did that last year at No. 1 overall with former Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, whose rookie season was among the best in NFL history. He turned an offense that had been the NFL's worst in 2010 into a force.

Given where they were drafting, it became clear quickly last year the Panthers would take a quarterback, and they methodically narrowed the field"