Carolina Panthers’ mock draft in seven rounds: two playmakers and a pass rusher were added with the top picks.
The reconstruction The NFL Draft is taking place in Detroit from April 25–27, and the Carolina Panthers plan to add several young players to their depth chart. At draft weekend, the Panthers will have seven picks with the trade of Brian Burns to the New York Giants. During the selection process, they will probably address a number of needs, including tight end, wide receiver, center, and edge rusher.
The Panthers upgraded their wide receiver depth chart last month when they traded for Diontae Johnson. But the group had quite a few holes heading into free agency, and while recently reacquired David Moore knows the system, he isn’t the type of long-term contributor worthy of checking the trajectory box. McConkey is an all-around strong athlete and technician at the position. The 6-foot, 186-pound receiver is a particularly special route runner, and his 4.39-second 40-yard dash time implies he has the speed to separate at the next level. He has the ability to play the Z position and work in the slot, and he could be a long-term successor for Adam Thielen. While his college numbers aren’t spectacular (199 catches for 1,687 yards and 14 touchdowns), his handle for the game and football intelligence give him a pretty high floor.
TRADE WITH HOUSTON TEXANS
Panthers acquire: 42nd (second round), 59th (second round) and 188th (sixth round) overall picks Texans acquire: 39th (second round) and 65th (third round) overall picks The Panthers use their creativity with a trade-down opportunity that allows them to jump back into the deep end of the second round on Day 2. With three second-round picks, the Panthers can essentially make up for a lack of a first-round selection, while also plotting out their Day 3 plan in advance. Plus, they add a missing sixth-round pick to the fold.
SECOND ROUND — 42ND OVERALL PICK (VIA HOU FROM MIN): MARSHAWN KNEELAND, OLB, WESTERN MICHIGAN
The Panthers’ edge rusher depth chart is a problem. After trading Burns and letting Yetur Gross-Matos walk, the group looks grim, at best, entering the month of the draft. While GM Dan Morgan was able to sign upside pass rusher D.J. Wonnum to a two-year deal, the former South Carolina standout goes from being the No. 3 edge in Minnesota to the No. 1 guy in Carolina. Jadeveon Clowney still lingers in free agency, but the Panthers can’t count on him at the moment, and still should probably add to the position regardless of whether he joins the team or not.
Kneeland had an outstanding performance at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. His 4.75-second 40-yard dash and 7.02-second 3-cone drill times imply that he has excellent speed and flexibility on the edge. The 6-foot-3, 263-pound pass rusher produced 13 sacks and 28 tackles for loss during his college career. And while those numbers aren’t going to “wow” anyone, his ability to stop the run and move in space should appeal to the Panthers.
SECOND ROUND — 59TH OVERALL PICK (VIA HOU): JA’TAVION SANDERS, TE, TEXAS
While Morgan has been quick to compliment Tommy Tremble, the Panthers could use a dynamic weapon at tight end. After getting a boost back into the second round through the projected trade with Houston, the Panthers add to their playmaking department with Sanders. Sanders produced 99 catches for 1,295 yards and 7 touchdowns over the past two seasons. The 6-foot-4, 245-pound pass-catcher ran an impressive 4.69-second 40-yard dash at the combine, and he has the overall athletic profile to grow into a big role in the modern NFL. Sanders could develop into a key outlet for second-year quarterback Bryce Young.
FOURTH ROUND — 101ST OVERALL: JARRIAN JONES, CB, FLORIDA STATE
The departures of Donte Jackson and C.J. Henderson left a couple of voids in the depth chart. While the team signed Dane Jackson in free agency, the Panthers need to reinforce the position with youth in the draft. Dane Jackson, Jaycee Horn and Troy Hill give the Panthers a solid trio at the top of the depth chart, but a rookie addition would add a backstop that is very much needed with Horn’s regular injury woes. Jones split his college career between Mississippi State and Florida State. During his five-year college tenure, Jones produced 96 tackles (5.5 for loss), 5 interceptions and 12 pass breakups. The 6-foot, 190-pound defensive back could get adjusted to the NFL with his former teammate, Jammie Robinson, already in the defensive backfield.
