ProFootballNetwork's Panthers 7-round mock draft

[TheSpecialJuan]

Carolina Panthers 7-round mock draft

Round 1, Pick 7: Javon Kinlaw, DT South Carolina

Javon Kinlaw’s insane explosiveness and athleticism for his position will win over Rhule. I believe Rhule also values building his defense from front to back, which is exactly what the Panthers need. Most mock drafts and draft boards don’t have Kinlaw quite this high, but following a tremendous Senior Bowl performance, and ahead of the NFL Combine, I believe Kinlaw is destined to be a top 10 pick. 

The Panthers could also be given a good offer to trade down from the 7th overall pick, given the rising stock of quarterbacks Justin Herbert and Jordan Love, who could be on the board here. 

Round 2, Pick 38: Denzel Mims, WR Baylor

Denzel Mims is the real deal. Sure, you have probably seen him further down mocks and draft boards thus far, but at the end of the day, you draft players who can be stars in the NFL. Mims can be one, and his draft stock is only going up.

This pick doesn’t make sense just because of the Baylor connection with Rhule, but more so because of the traits Mims offers with his athleticism, ball skills, large catch radius, and maturity. Mims is the much-needed larger-framed receiver to complement Moore and Samuel. As a perimeter receiver, he opens up the playbook for Joe Brady to use Moore and/or Samuel inside. 

The Panthers could also opt to trade down here if they believe Mims or other prospects they are high on may be available towards the middle of the second round. 

Round 3, Pick 69: Matt Peart, OT UConn

Matt Peart has an impressive combination of size and mobility at 6-foot-7. He also offers positional flexibility with experience at guard and left and right tackle. Peart seems to have the traits of athleticism, size, and coachability that are attractive to Rhule, and is a much-needed addition to the Panthers’ offensive line. 

Round 4, Pick 103: Troy Pride Jr., CB Notre Dame

Rhule loves athleticism in his players, and Troy Pride Jr., also a track star, brings that to the cornerback position. Pride Jr. has a solid frame to back up his speed and quickness and will give Jackson much-needed competition in the secondary, as the two compete to potentially replace Bradberry. 

 

ound 5, Pick 134: Amik Robertson, CB Louisiana Tech

I like drafting players that dominated at the college level. I think Rhule will as well. Amik Robertson was a second-team AP All-American this past season and amassed 14 interceptions in his three years at LA Tech. The downside to Robertson is his 5-foot-9 height, effectively limiting him to defending the slot. However, Robertson has all of the tools to be an elite slot cornerback in the NFL from day one. 

Round 6, Pick 165: Francis Bernard, LB Utah

Francis Bernard was at the center of the elite Utah Utes’ defense. He is an athletic and highly productive linebacker that was the emotional leader of the Utah defense. Bernard would be a nice late-round pick to start to the post-Kuechly era on defense. 

Round 7, Pick 199: James Lynch, DE Baylor

James Lynch was a first-team All-American this past season at Baylor. The Baylor connection would obviously attract Rhule to Lynch. The success and accolades of Lynch, along with his coachability with Rhule, makes this a great fit in the 7th round. 

https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-carolina-panthers-7-round-mock-draft/

[Rags]

Don't mind Kinlaw, or any Top 10 player who can help us.

 

But this mock is a very traditional "look at their biggest needs and slit whoever to them."

[MHS831]

The last pick is one that I have been calling--if Rhule and company draft 2 Baylor players, I question his inability to expand his sphere. 

This draft sucks and lacks research.

[MHS831]

16 minutes ago, Rags said:

Don't mind Kinlaw, or any Top 10 player who can help us.

 

But this mock is a very traditional "look at their biggest needs and slit whoever to them."

And, "Since the coach is from Baylor and brought Baylor coaches, he will draft Baylor players."

[MMA]

Yup, that’s a Marty Hurney kind of draft. Hit the jackpot on the 1st round and nothing else after that. 

[AceMan]

Ironically, I also strongly believe we will draft Javon Kinlaw DT in the 1st.

Think we’re going to trade back up from the 2nd into the late 1st for a OT or Center though

[The Lobo]

Pride scares me. I watched every ND game this year. He was either quite good or quite bad. 

[Stumpy]

James Lynch would be a home run in the 7th. I don't see anyway he lasts that long though. I've seen mocks with him as high as the 2nd round. I think the combine is going to shoot him up the boards.

A 6'4" 300 lb DLineman who can play inside or out and runs a 4.5 40... He was a 4-3 end who moved to nose in the 3-4 his junior year because Rhule/Snow had no one else to play it. Not only did he hold his own with the position change, he led the Big12 in sacks on way to a DPOY award.

He is a grinder who played against some of the top OLine prospects in the country. If he's there in the third, i would sprint to the podium.

[micnificent28]

1 hour ago, Stumpy said:

James Lynch would be a home run in the 7th. I don't see anyway he lasts that long though. I've seen mocks with him as high as the 2nd round. I think the combine is going to shoot him up the boards.

A 6'4" 300 lb DLineman who can play inside or out and runs a 4.5 40... He was a 4-3 end who moved to nose in the 3-4 his junior year because Rhule/Snow had no one else to play it. Not only did he hold his own with the position change, he led the Big12 in sacks on way to a DPOY award.

He is a grinder who played against some of the top OLine prospects in the country. If he's there in the third, i would sprint to the podium.

bro he does not run a 4-5 stop it....

[musicman]

Until Free agency, no mock draft will be correct. If they get a great OL then they may not draft one in the 1st 2 or 3 rounds, same with any position.

[Tbe]

You can’t get great OL in free agency anymore.

[Pantherzack179812]

1 minute ago, Tbe said:

You can’t get great OL in free agency anymore.

I'm about ready to see us trade this freaking pick so we can get a established LT. Sick of playing the game with that position, would rather see us fix that more then anything. Hit big in FA by bringing back McCoy and bradberry, and signing a big name guy to replace Poe. That team has a shot at the playoffs. Seems were keeping Cam in 2020, so might as well try for something 

[Stumpy]

5 hours ago, micnificent28 said:

bro he does not run a 4-5 stop it....

I haven't personally timed him. But, that's what i have been told by people close to him. It could be that they are exaggerating. But, watching him play, i believe it. He has an explosive burst off the line.

Regardless, he is a big, strong, athletic freak who broke the school record for sacks as a true junior. He led the Big12 in sacks as a DT and can play any position on the line.

He is exactly the type of player we should be looking for, with our defense in flux the way it is. Add in the Rhule connection and this kid is a no brainer.

[SmokinwithWilly]

I dont get why people get so focused on 40 time for linemen. I get you need to see the burst off the block, but if your Dline is running 40 yards to catch someone, it's too late. 

The agility drills are much more important.