Final Mock Draft: Panthers
Draft day is tomorrow, the NFL’s annual Hope Bowl and the culmination of Carolina’s season of change. The Panthers used free agency to further establish their new look offense, bringing in Teddy Bridgewater, Robby Anderson, Russell Okung and handing out a big money extension to superstar RB Christian McCaffrey. Unfortunately, it seems someone forgot to tell Matt Rhule and Marty Hurney they also have to field a defense next season. Which brings us to our final, 7 round mock for the Panthers, featuring a couple trade downs and a major talent injection on defense. Let us know what you think in the comments!
Prospect videos from:
Round 1
Pick 18: Xavier McKinney S Alabama- The Panthers have moved on from S Eric Reid and CB James Bradberry. After trading down twice (acquired Broncos 2nd and 7th and Dolphins 4th) Carolina begins their defensive rebuild with the versatile Alabama safety. McKinney brings intelligence, athleticism and toughness to a position group sorely lacking any kind of identity.
Round 2
Pick 38: A.J. Terrell CB Clemson- More help for the backend early in the second round. Terrell has good size, athleticism, and lots of big game experience. Terrell will have the opportunity to start from day one and should be a good replacement for the departed Bradberry.
Pick 46: Justin Madubuike iDL Texas A&M- The secondary was not the only unit that saw an exodus this offseason. The Panthers lost several members of the front seven, including Gerald McCoy and Vernon Butler. Madubuike would slide in next to Kawaan Short and despite his small frame would provide a big boost to the interior pass rush. Explosive and agile, Madubuike would be a great value at this stage.
Round 3
Pick 69: Willie Gay Jr. Miss State- Athleticism, athleticism, athleticism. Willie Gay has the speed and agility to fly around making plays anywhere on the field, what he lacks is experience. Rhule and DC Phil Snow will need to coach him up on play recognition, body control and angles but Gay could develop into a difference maker in run support and coverage.
Round 4
Pick 113: Alex Highsmith EDGE Charlotte- Athletic EDGE rusher with great production (21.5 TFLs and 15 Sacks in 2019) Highsmith is better suited to a 3-4 but given time may be able to add the weight and strength necessary to be a down linemen. Worst case scenario he’s a pass rush specialist to help fill the void left by Addison and Irvin.
Pick 141: A.J. Dillon RB Boston College- 6’ 247 lbs who ran a 4.53 40 A.J. checks the size and athleticism boxes and would give face of the franchise CMC a much needed break. Short yardage and goal line duties are a given but Dillon has the ability to be a feature back if needed and would represent a return to the 1-2 punch of Carolina’s past.
Round 5
Pick 148: Josiah Deguara TE Cincinnati- Good blocker and good enough receiver to take over the #2 duties and occasionally fill in for presumptive starter Ian Thomas.
Pick 152: James Lynch iDL Baylor- Big, strong, high motor defender with ties to the coaching staff. Lynch will be a great depth addition to the new look defensive front.
Round 6
Pick 184: Lamar Jackson CB Nebraska- Great size and length to go with inconsistent play and decent athleticism at a position of need. Jackson will need to contribute on special teams to secure a spot.
Round 7
Pick 221: Steven Montez QB Colorado- 3 year starter with prototypical size who will need time on the practice squad to develop the mental part of his game. With Kyle Allen traded and Will Grier being Will Grier it makes sense for the Panthers to turn over a few stones to find a new backup.
Pick 252: Jon Runyan OG Michigan- College OT who will move inside at the pro level. High IQ player with good enough athleticism and a chance to stick on a team with longstanding offensive line issues.