This is the third and final round-up of mock drafts with the actual draft happening tomorrow night. So let’s get one last look at who the experts project the Carolina Panthers to pick.
Chad Reuter (NFL.com)
Round 1: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
Round 2: James Lynch, DE, Baylor
Reuter has the Panthers taking do-it-all defender Isaiah Simmons out of Clemson. Simmons’ versatility and ability to impact the game in a number of ways is exactly what Rhule is looking for in defenders. While he’s looking to bolster his defense, Rhule may elect to select Lynch, who played under Rhule at Baylor.
Cynthia Frelund (NFL.com)
Round 1: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
Like Reuter, Frelund has the Panthers adding Simmons’ versatility to their defense.
Bucky Brooks (NFL.com)
Round 1: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Brooks has Okudah falling to seven, just like Maurice Jones-Drew did in day one of this round-up, but Brooks has the Panthers taking the DB out of Ohio State. Okudah has shutdown corner potential and should slot in as the Panthers top corner before long.
Bryan DeArdo (CBS Sports)
Round 1 (Pick #14): CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
DeArdo has the Panthers trading with their division rival Buccaneers to move down and select who he calls the second best corner in the draft (the Bucs moved up to select Tristan Wirfs). The Panthers also get the Bucs’ selection at 45 for moving down seven spots, giving them the 38th and 45th overall picks in the second round.
Josh Edwards (CBS Sports)
Round 1: Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
Round 2: Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin
The Panthers again add Brown in this mock, but this time they follow that up by selecting linebacker Zack Baun out of Wisconsin. Baun is a former quarterback who developed into a monster linebacker at the college level. He has an intriguing blend of pass rush productivity and coverage skills that is tailor-made for Phil Snow’s defense.