I’ve speculated a lot to this point but I think it’s time to take my first cut at an official mock draft. You might have already seen it as I put it in the left sidebar a couple days ago. I can’t say how many revisions I will make leading up to the draft given the seemingly daily changes to the Panthers roster. I primarily use three sites for my prospect rankings; Walter Football, Draft Daddy and CBS Sportsline.
This mock draft is based on the Panthers drafting in their current positions, foregoing the possibility of trading up or down. Having made such a trade last season, trading down with the Jets, the Panthers may well do it again this season. I think they are more likely to trade up as they go after an offensive tackle, either in the top 10 or the top of the 2nd round.
1st Round - #13 - OT Chris Williams (Vanderbilt) 6’6" 315lbs
If both Florida DE Derrick Harvey and Boise St. OT Ryan Clady are available with Chris Williams the Panthers will have a tough choice. There’s a very real chance none of these players could be available. My pick is Williams based on both Harvey and Clady being gone though I would probably take him over the other two. Williams is the complete package in size, technique and experience (except for the short arms!). Plus he excels at passing blocking. Though a lot has been made of beefing up the Panthers running game rest assured they will throw the ball and they will need assurance Jakes’ blind side is protected.
The Panthers more than any other position need to come away with a starter on the offensive line. I don’t think they can risk waiting until the #43 pick nor do I think they should count on trading up into the end of the first round. The top 6 tackles will most likely be gone by #43 in my estimation. Williams fills the hole and allows us to breathe a little easier for the rest of the draft.
2nd Round - #43 - DT Trevor Laws (Notre Dame) 6’0" 304lbs
Laws has impressed me since the Senior Bowl and his stock is rising. If he is already gone then I like Dre Moore or Marcus Harrison here as well. Laws isn’t real tall but he makes up for it with good hand work and a non-stop motor. I like the thought of him in our DL rotation as he will bring attitude as well.
3rd Round - #67 - DE Chris Ellis (Virginia Tech) 6’4" 263lbs
I had Calais Campbell dropping to this spot previously but I think that may be a stretch. If Lawrence Jackson should drop to here I would take him as well. Ellis brings a nice combination of size and speed to the DE spot not to mention a nasty attitude. If the Panthers aren’t scared off by his character issues he could get into the DE rotation with the other youngsters Charles Johnson and Stanley McClover.
3rd Round - #74 - RB Tashard Choice (Georgia Tech) 5’10" 215lbs
This is a completely homer pick but I do guarantee Choice will be a good choice (pun intended) for some NFL team. He may not have blazing speed or big power but he has great vision of running lanes, uses his blockers well and makes nice cut backs. Choice is also a leader in the locker room and on the field.
If not Choice then Ray Rice of Rutgers or Tulane’s Matt Forte would do as well. Both could be the tough inside runner that the Panthers will need for short yardage situations.
4th Round - #105 - FS Marcus Griffin (Texas) 5’10" 201lbs
His twin brother was a 1st round selection so he’s a steal in the 4th! Seriously, Griffin is a little under-sized at 5’10" but he makes up for it with good speed and instincts. Many mock draft have the Panthers taking a safety much earlier but I think the Terrence Holt signing takes the pressure off. Griffin will be given time to adjust to NFL speed but should see increased playing time by the end of the season. If not Griffin then I also like Alabama’s Simeon Castille here too.
5th Round - #132 - FB Jerome Felton (Furman) 6’0" 247lbs
There is no denying current Panthers FB Brad Hoover is on his last contract. The Panthers begin to groom his replacement with this 247 lb wrecking ball that scored 51 touchdowns in three seasons. This kid is strong (30 reps) and has a nose for the end zone.
6th Round - #174 - G Kirk Elder (Texas A&M) 6’5" 305lbs
We seem to be a little thin at guard so we need to find a gem here in the 6th. I like Elder for his size and the fact he comes from a zone-blocking scheme.
7th Round - #205 – FS Corey Lynch (Appalachian State) 6’0" 202lbs
Lynch has an injury history that may keep him from being drafted but I think the Panthers need to take a chance on a kid who provide needed depth and maybe big plays on special teams. Not only did he pick off 24 passes in 56 games but also blocked six kicks. This kid has great anticipation and is fearless with his body (hence the too pins in his shoulders).
What do think, would you be happy if the Panthers came away from next month’s draft with this group of rookies? My plan is to update this on a weekly basis up to the draft based on the latest free agent signing or unsubstantiated, juicy rumor.
Poll
The pick I like the LEAST from this mock draft is:
This poll is closed
-
23%
OT Chris Williams
-
12%
DT Trevor Laws
-
13%
DE Chris Ellis
-
10%
RB Ray Rice (I was kidding about Choice)
-
3%
FS Marcus Griffin
-
1%
FB Jerome Felton
-
12%
G Kirk Elder
-
12%
FS Corey Lynch
-
10%
I like them all