Mock Draft (post-combine)

[uscgamecocks]

Panthers picks (updated for Ealy trade):

#8, #40, #64, #98, #115, #152, #192, #233

My guesses at players taken in first seven picks:

Myles Garret, Jonathan Allen, Marshon Lattimore, Leonard Fournette, Jamal Adams, DeShaun Watson, Malik Hooker

 

First Round, pick 8:  Solomon Thomas, DE

A bit of a projection, as he primarily played on the interior in college.  However, athletic testing confirmed that Thomas has elite levels of explosion and agility, which is the best predictor of success at the NFL level for a pass rusher.  He has the size to play 4-3 DE (he's the same size as Charles Johnson, but is much more athletic).  The Panthers are extremely old at this position and, if all goes as planned, the Panthers won't be in a position in the near future to add a pass rusher of Thomas's caliber.  Thomas will play a fair amount of snaps as the Panthers try to keep CJ and Peppers fresh for the whole season.

https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/solomon-thomas

Backup pick here would be OJ Howard - bonus points if you can snag him in a trade down (Trading back to #12 could net you the Browns 3rd round pick if they are desperate for a QB) 

First Round, pick 29:  Christian McCaffrey, RB (Panthers trade picks #40 and #98 to the Packers for pick #29)

It's possible he won't last this long, but if he does McCaffrey would be a solid addition for the Panthers.  McCaffrey is extremely athletic and ran primarily between the tackles in Stanford's pro-style scheme.  He's also a dynamic pass catcher and, in addition to 10-15 carries per game (spelling Stewart), McCaffrey will get 5-10 targets a game on screens, check downs, and routes out of the backfield and the slot.  He's also an excellent pass protector and the fifth year option makes sense for a running back.

https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/christian-mccaffrey

Second Round, pick #64:  Taywan Taylor, WR

Extreme athleticism gives him the ability to play outside or inside at the pro level.  Put up 3,200 receiving yards over the last two seasons in college.  After losing Ginn, the Panthers receiving corps desperately needs an infusion of speed and the ability to create and sustain separation and then create YAC.  Taylor does all of those things quite well.

https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/taywan-taylor

Note:  If you don't think McCaffrey lasts until the 29th pick, then the Panthers could trade both their 2nds to get higher into the first round - it's possible Taylor could last until the end of the 3rd - or maybe move the 3rd up a bit with the 5th rounder - Chris Godwin and Carlos Henderson would also be intriguing options) 

Fourth Round, pick #115:  George Kittle, TE

He's a great blocker and a freak athlete.  This is one of the most athletic and deep TE classes in recent memory and the Panthers have a need at #2 TE.  Kittle's blocking skills will get him on the field early, freeing up Greg Olsen to do Greg Olsen things.

https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/george-kittle

Rest of Picks:

Pick a DB, any DB.  This is a very deep and athletic DB class and the Panthers could use a young S to groom and a backup outside CB to keep pushing Worley and Bradberry (and in case one of them gets hurt).