For anyone disappointed with the Panthers selection of quarterback Will Grier at No. 100 because they didn’t draft a safety, you may get some early satisfaction on Day 3. Here are six safeties with good to above average grades all from big time programs that are still on the board. The Panthers are bound to have a shot at one of them.
A pick from this group may not start week one but in time could develop into a starter. I’m not quite as sold on drafting a safety next myself. I would like to see the Panthers add more depth to either of the lines.
On the offensive line I like guard Michael Jordan from Ohio State or Dru Samia from Oklahoma. Samia projects as a potential future starter at left guard. His bio seems like a good fit for the Panthers as he plays on the nasty side.
Overview
Vocal leader who has cut his teeth with an Oklahoma offensive line that has dripped with aggression and attitude during his four years as a starter. Samia is a loose-limbed, athletic guard whose foot quickness and second-level agility make him much more attractive as a move guard rather than a base-blocking option. His length and movement skills are a big plus, but issues with core strength and body control at the point of attack must be improved in order to survive against NFL power.
On the defensive side don’t snooze on a double dip at edge rusher. This is a deep draft at the position with a lot of guys who can bend around the edge. Here’s four still on the board that appear to be good value in the fourth round:
6. Anthony Nelson, EDGE, Iowa (Overall: No. 53)
Nelson has been one of the most productive edge defenders in college football over the past two seasons and has the size to kick inside at times as well.
10. Ronheen Bingham, EDGE, Arkansas State (Overall: No. 63)
Bingham’s 31.7 percent win rate was the highest among all defensive linemen in college football this past season.
13. Maxx Crosby, EDGE, Eastern Michigan (Overall: No. 72)
Crosby has some of the best bend of any edge rusher in this class. He earned grades of 88.2 and 90.6 the past two seasons.
14. Charles Omenihu, EDGE, Texas (Overall: No. 75)
Omenihu was much more of a run-first player at Texas, but he flashed pass-rushing ability when he was given the green light to attack. Not many pass-rushers have his combination of size, length and athleticism.
I’m still 100% sure the Panthers will draft a linebacker. Here’s the five best on the board. My favorite is Te’von Coney from Notre Dame. He graded out in the top 15 at his position.
My last comment is every year the Panthers pick a player fairly early that I’ve never heard of. We have dodged that bullet so far in this draft but it could be this first pick on day three. If instead they go with one of the top players listed above then we will add to an already nice draft class.