CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Two months after DeShaun Foster was sent packing, the Carolina Panthers hope they've finally found that elusive power running back.

The Panthers selected Jonathan Stewart of Oregon with the 13th overall pick in Saturday's draft. The Panthers were looking for a power running back to complement DeAngelo Williams after they released Foster in the offseason.

The Panthers took the 5-foot-10, 233-pound Stewart ahead of other pressing needs at defensive end and offensive tackle. The Panthers also took the physical Stewart ahead of Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall.

Carolina hopes Stewart, who rushed for 2,891 yards despite starting just 25 games for the Ducks, will boost Carolina's sagging running game.

The Panthers have had only two 1,000-yard rushers in their 13-year history, and none since Stephen Davis rushed for a team-record 1,444 yards in the Super Bowl season of 2003.

Foster, plagued by injuries and fumbles, was never able to replace Davis, and he was let go in February.

The Panthers got familiar with Stewart last month when he came to Charlotte to undergo surgery to repair a turf toe injury. The surgery was performed by Panthers team physician Dr. Robert Anderson, and the Panthers are confident he has recovered from numerous injuries that have plagued him in his career.

Two players who would have filled urgent needs for the Panthers were gone before the 13th pick.

After the retirement of seven-year starter Mike Rucker on Tuesday, the Panthers need a starter opposite Julius Peppers. But the player many thought the Panthers had coveted - Florida's Derrick Harvey - went to Jacksonville with the eighth pick. The Jaguars traded up with Baltimore to get the speedy Harvey.

Carolina is considering moving Travelle Wharton from tackle to guard, but tackle Ryan Clady of Boise State went 12th to Denver. The Panthers then passed on Virginia guard and tackle Branden Albert and pounced on Stewart.

The Panthers were also scheduled to make a second-round pick, 43rd overall, later Saturday.

Carolina has eight picks on Sunday, including two in the third round. 

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)