A closer look at the positions the Carolina Panthers could target at the NFL combine in Indianapolis:

Positions of need: General manager Dave Gettleman sounds like a broken record this time of the year, consistently saying he'll take the best player available regardless of need or position in the draft. He'll also tell you the advantages of having big men up front -- on both sides of the ball -- and pass-rushers. Hint, hint. Because the draft is weak at offensive tackle, a definite need for Carolina, that will be handled in free agency. The Panthers are solid at defensive tackle, so that leaves an every-down defensive end and running back as their top priorities. The draft is good for both, particularly in the first round. That doesn't mean Gettleman wouldn't take one of the top two safeties should one fall in his lap. Tre Boston still hasn't proved he can be completely dependable opposite Kurt Coleman. But in all likelihood, the eighth pick will be used on an end or back.

Five players the Panthers could focus on at the combine:

Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan: You could pencil Stanford's Solomon Thomas in here as well. He or Charlton would fill an immediate need as an every-down pass-rushing end, but Thomas probably will be gone by the eighth pick. Charlton came on strong with 10 sacks over his final 10 games. And although he has only one year as a proven starter, at 6-foot-6 and just shy of 280 pounds, he has all the physical attributes to be a force.

Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State: LSU safety Jamal Adams won't fall to No. 8, and if he does it's doubtful he would fall further. But Hooker isn't a bad option if the Panthers choose to go in this direction. He had seven interceptions this past season and always seems to be around the ball. At 6-2, 205, he's NFL-ready and can be disruptive on the blitz.

Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU: He's considered the most dynamic back in the draft. He could be this year's Ezekiel Elliott, possessing the size (6-0, 230) and speed to make an immediate impact. He'd be a nice eventual replacement for Jonathan Stewart, who is approaching the final year of his contract. The biggest drawback is that he's only adequate as a receiver.

Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State: In many ways he makes more sense than Fournette, because he's explosive as a runner and receiver. His 2,253 total yards this past season ranked second in FBS. At 5-11, 213 pounds, he's a little smaller than Fournette, but his big-play ability would make him a nice change of pace from Stewart.

O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama: This one might seem surprising, with Pro Bowler Greg Olsen on the roster. But Gettleman loved Howard at the Senior Bowl, as did most. He simply was the best offensive player on the field. At 6-5 and 249 pounds, he would give the Panthers a chance to play more two tight end sets in which both are a threat as a receiver. That would be huge in taking the pressure off quarterback Cam Newton, providing him with another big target. It also would take pressure off whoever plays tackle.