You'll see right away Charlie provides more explanation for his picks (though it doesn't make them better):
Pick |
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1-25 |
D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida This is a bit of a reach, but the Panthers have to upgrade their offensive line. David Gettleman has shown an inclination to draft for need, and the Panthers need to land a potential franchise left tackle for Cam Newton. Humphries could fit the mold. Sources say they've graded Humphries as "a one," aka a first-rounder, and will let their medical staff drop him down the board if they deem it warranted. I personally haven't gotten on the bandwagon about Humphries because he missed more games than he played the past two seasons, but Humphries is a rare athlete who could be a starting left tackle quickly in the NFL. |
Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford The Panthers couldn't block for Cam Newton whatsoever early in the season. The offensive line was able to gel late in the year, but there are still some glaring holes there, particularly at both tackle positions. |
2-57 |
Byron Jones, CB/S, Connecticut The Panthers could use an upgrade at safety, and Jones makes sense in case some of their corners take a step back. Jones (6-1, 199) recorded 24 tackles, four passes broken up and two interceptions in 2014 before a shoulder injury ended his season after seven games. He made himself a star of the Combine with huge broad and vertical jumps. Jones played well in 2013 - his first season at cornerback - with 60 tackles and three interceptions. In 2012, Jones was a starter at safety and had 88 tackles with an interception. He broke into the starting lineup during the 2011 season and had 51 tackles. |
Nelson Agholor, WR, USC The Panthers likely will select the top available player from the tackle or receiver position in the first few rounds. Those are their two big areas of need. They have to find someone to draw attention away from Kelvin Benjamin. |
3-89 |
Devin Funchess, WR/TE, Michigan The Panthers grab a twin-tower receiver to pair with Kelvin Benjamin. Funchess (6-4, 232) is a bit of a wide receiver and tight end tweener. After a great 2013 season at tight end, he was moved to wideout. In 2014, Funchess totaled 62 receptions for 733 yards and four touchdowns. He was unable to hold onto a number of potential big pass plays against Michigan State while also struggling to get off the jam. Funchess needs to improve his hands and could be better off with a move back to tight end in the NFL. As a tight end, Funchess is a dangerous receiving weapon who would need to get stronger and improve his blocking to be a three-down tight end for the NFL. He would definitely be more valuable there than at wideout. Funchess had an excellent season in 2013 with 49 receptions for 748 yards and six touchdowns playing tight end. He had 15 catches for 234 yards and five scores as a freshman. He doesn't look like he has the speed to separate from NFL cornerbacks if he's playing wide receiver. |
Duke Johnson, RB, Miami Jonathan Stewart finished the year on a strong note, but the Panthers can't depend on him because he's so frequently banged up. With DeAngelo Williams officially gone, Carolina will have to add another running back. |
4-121 |
David Cobb, RB, Minnesota The Panthers cut DeAngelo Williams, and Jonathan Stewart has a hard time staying healthy. Adding some running back depth is necessary. At the Senior Bowl, Cobb had a good week and helped himself. He showed more burst than previously thought, and that had been the biggest question mark about his game. Cobb (5-10, 229) was one of the most productive runners in the nation in 2014. He is a physical runner who can handle a big work load. Cobb fights for yards after contact and plays really hard. If Cobb were faster, he could be a second-day prospect. Cobb averaged 5.2 yards per carry in 2014 for 1,626 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also had 16 receptions for 162 yards. In 2013, Cobb averaged 5.1 yards per carry for 1,202 yards with seven touchdowns. He had 17 receptions for 174 yards. |
Daryl Williams, OT, Oklahoma It shouldn't surprise anyone if the Panthers double up on the tackle position. Both of their tackles were putrid last year. |
5-153 |
Corey Robinson, OT, South Carolina Sources say that Michael Oher was extremely lazy last year with the Titans, thus Carolina better not rely on him to return to his early career form. The Panthers could use two offensive tackles from this draft class. Robinson (6-7, 324) blocked well in the ground game in 2014, but he needs to improve his ability to play in space and handle speed rushers. Robinson is a massive blocker who has some athleticism and intelligence, but he just isn't quick enough to block on the edge. Sources say that his listed numbers look pretty accurate, and he's too tall to move inside to guard. Thus in the beginning at the very least, Robinson should play right tackle in the NFL. |
Taiwan Jones, LB, Michigan State Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis are studs, but Carolina could stand to find a third linebacker to complement the two Pro Bowlers. |
I don't know about you but I love Walter's mock over Charlie's by a long shot.
I like Peat over Humphries at LT. I also prefer the big Wr from USC over the CB. Jones is a good player but I don't see the Panthers going CB that early unless one of the top guys slides to them. I like Funchess at TE but not WR for the Panthers.
I love the Duke Johnson pick over taking Cobb later in the draft. Both grab a late round OT but I think I like the Robinson kid from USC better as I know nothing of the Williams guy. Finally I like the Taiwan Jones pick in the 5th as a value pick. He's a good player with the speed to contribute on special teams immediately.
So which mock draft do you prefer for the Panthers?