CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - The Carolina Panthers turned their attention to the offensive side of the ball on the third day of the NFL draft, taking guard Edmund Kugbila from Division II Valdosta State with their fourth-round selection.
The Panthers spent their first- and second-round picks on defensive tackles.
The 6-foot-4, 317-pound Kugbila became a starter in 2010 and recorded the second-most knockdown blocks on the team as a tackle. In 2011, Kugbila moved to guard and played in all 10 games with eight starts and was named all-conference and third team Division II All-American.
Last season Kugbila finished his college career by helping Valdosta claim a national championship.
He's expected to compete with veteran Geoff Hangartner at right guard as the Panthers work to get younger on the offensive line.
