CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The last time the Carolina Panthers took a safety in the first round of the NFL draft, it was a kid from Georgia who turned into one of the best linebackers in the NFL.

That was Thomas Davis in 2005.

The Panthers never have selected a true safety in the first round, but there are reasons to believe it could happen this year.

Starting strong safety Mike Adams is 37 and is in the last year of his contract -- and probably his NFL career. Da’Norris Searcy, signed in free agency, lost his starting job at Tennessee last year and never has put up impressive numbers.

Nobody behind them has stellar credentials, either.

So with a strong class of safeties available, Carolina could use the No. 24 pick on one that could either start immediately or begin developing for the future.

Then again, general manager Marty Hurney hasn’t used a draft pick on a safety higher than the third round -- Charles Godfrey in 2008. The Panthers in general, based on the way they have filled in the safety positions, don’t believe in investing a lot there.

So using a first-round draft pick on one might be a stretch, particularly if that player isn’t going to start immediately.

If they do, here is a look at five players to consider as I begin a look at the top positions the Panthers could target in the first round:

Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama: Has the versatility to play safety or even linebacker in passing situations and cover the slot receiver or tight end. He epitomizes what teams are looking for at that position with his blend of size (6-foot-1, 201 pounds) speed, power and versatility. He’s been said to have the mentality of Bama coach Nick Saban, who in a recent interview said, “He’s better than me in a lot of ways.’’ Saban also has touted Fitzpatrick as a top-five pick. He’s at worst a top-15 pick, so the Panthers likely would have to trade up for a player that in three years had 171 tackles (16 for loss), nine interception (four for touchdowns) and 4.5 sacks.

Derwin James, Florida State: He’s been compared to Eric Berry, the five-time Pro Bowl selection for the Kansas City Chiefs who was the fifth overall pick in 2010. Proved at FSU he can play either safety position. The Panthers like flexibility here. Kurt Coleman went from a starting free safety in 2015, when he led the team with seven interceptions, to strong safety in 2016 and back to free in 2017 before being released this offseason for salary-cap reasons. Potentially has the versatility to play the slot corner like Jacksonville’s Jalen Ramsey.

Justin Reid, Stanford: He’s not the physical presence as some of the other top safeties, but he’s a smart player that can play deep safety and move into the slot if needed. He’s the brother of San Francisco safety Eric Reid, who has started 54 games the past four years. That Justin can play either safety spot again fits into what Carolina likes at the position.

Ronnie Harrison, Alabama: Great athleticism and is strong in the running game. Not afraid to make the big hit. Would be a great fit to develop as a replacement for Adams, but can the Panthers really afford to spend a first-round pick on a player that won’t start right away? Definitely would add speed to the secondary, but doesn’t always use it to the best of his ability.

Jessie Bates III, Wake Forest: Not a player expected to go in the first round, in large part because the class is so strong ahead of him. So if the Panthers like him enough to use a draft pick, they’ll probably hold out until the second or third round. He has great coverage skills and could fit in immediately as a deep safety.