Zack Sanchez became the 49th defensive back from the University of Oklahoma to hear his name called on Draft Day. Taken during the fifth round with the 141st overall pick, the Carolina Panthers opted for the high risk high reward style of play from Sanchez.
With the 141st pick, the #Panthers select Oklahoma CB Zack Sanchez! #PanthersDraft pic.twitter.com/cjdwhDiYij
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 30, 2016
"This guy when he gets his hands on the football, he can finish and take it to the house."@ZSanchez15 ➡️ @Panthershttps://t.co/wWzTtZ3cIb
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) April 30, 2016
Initially a three star recruit, Sanchez committed to play for the Baylor Bears. However, the Keller Central High prospect flipped to become an Oklahoma Sooner with mere days before National Signing Day. After a redshirt season, the move clearly paid off as the standout received a starting role in 2013 and the rest as they say, is history.
Over the course of his three year career, Sanchez recorded 15 interceptions while returning one for a touchdown. The junior turned pro also recorded 28 pass breakups in 37 games of action. Regardless, Sanchez found himself beat multiple times due to the boom or bust play style.
Carolina will undoubtedly attempt to remove the weakness while letting Sanchez play to his strengths...his instincts. It'll be a fine line to walk but that's why these kids are getting paid the big bucks.