NBC Sports Mock Draft 5.0 says the Panthers get...

[Zod]

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB

Urban Meyer is on board, but don't think for a second that he's going to take Justin Fields over Trevor Lawrence.

Lawrence is the best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck and will put Meyer and the Jags back on the path to relevancy. He checks all the boxes. Put him in teal.

 

2. New York Jets: Penei Sewell, OT

Early reports suggest that new Jets coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur believe in Sam Darnold and want to get him a shot to run the offense.

If that's the case, look for the Jets to aggressively shop this pick. Since we aren't doing trades yet, I'll give the Jets the best tackle in the class. Drafting Sewell allows them to move Becton to right tackle or put Sewell there and have two anchors to keep Darnold upright and healthy.

 

3. Miami Dolphins (via Houston Texans): Ja'Marr Chase, WR

If the Dolphins aren’t sold on Tua Tagovailoa as the future of their franchise they could look to draft Justin Fields or Zach Wilson here and trade Tua for more draft capital. But I think they’ll look to build around Tagovailoa and get him the weapons he needs.

Heisman winner DeVonta Smith rightfully is getting all the love right now, but people forget how good Chase, the 2019 Biletnikoff Award winner was last season. He was basically doing everything Smith did this past season but as a 19-year-old. Chase’s hands, ball skills, route-running and post-catch ability were fantastic. This gives Tagovailoa a true No. 1 and allows DeVante Parker to move down to the No. 2 spot.

 

4. Atlanta Falcons: Justin Fields, QB

There isn’t one player who the Falcons can draft that would take them from 4-12 back to playoff contention.

Instead, they draft Fields to be Matt Ryan’s successor, giving them a quarterback who has all the skills to be a force in the new era of the NFL. Fields' accuracy, arm talent and running ability make him a top-tier QB prospect for the modern NFL.

Looks like Georgia fans will get to root for Fields after all.

 

5. Cincinnati Bengals: DeVonta Smith, WR

The Bengals want and need Penei Sewell in order to start building a functional line in front of Joe Burrow. I'd expect them to try and move up if they get the sense Sewell won't fall to No. 5.

With Sewell off the board, the Bengals grab the Heisman Trophy winner to give Burrow another talented target to pair with Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. Some question Smith's frame and weight, but it hasn't been a problem so far.

 

6. Philadelphia Eagles: Patrick Surtain II, CB

The Eagles would love it if Smith or Chase fell to them at No. 6. They could take Kyle Pitts here, but it might be a touch early for the Florida tight end.

Instead, the Eagles take the draft's best corner. Surtain as the ideal length, size and ball skills to make him a top boundary corner in the NFL.

 

7. Detroit Lions: Micah Parsons, LB

The Lions have a messy rebuild ahead of them.  They have an aging QB in Matthew Stafford, a huge need at wide receiver and a defense that was built around Matt Patricia’s scheme.

If they can’t trade down then I think they take the best player available in Parsons. The Penn State linebacker is an explosive athlete who is a tremendous blitzer with the speed and skill to beat offensive linemen and blow plays up. He’s still working on ironing out some issues at the second level, but he’s a no-doubt impact player and the Lions need as many of those as they can find.

 

8. Carolina Panthers: Zach Wilson, QB

Everything comes up roses for the Panthers, as Wilson falls right into their lap at No. 8. The BYU signal-caller has incredible arm talent, is mobile and has the ability to make plays outside the pocket that is critical in the modern NFL.

 

9. Denver Broncos: Trey Lance, QB

John Elway’s search for a franchise quarterback continues and has led him to 2021’s “tools” QB.

Lance only started one season at North Dakota State but he was fantastic. Lance has the size, arm strength and athleticism that NFL teams covet and want to develop. The Drew Lock era is over. We hardly knew you.

 

 

I agree with Wilson over Lance. I am still not completely sold on either though. 

[Sir Purr]

No way that can happen. I have been told multiple times by the huddle that the win against WFT has ruined our chance at EVER getting a QB. 

[mrcompletely11]

I could easily see the draft playing out like that

[Zod]

1 minute ago, mrcompletely11 said:

I could easily see the draft playing out like that

It definitely could. People always overshoot how soon QBs will be taken. 

[mrcompletely11]

1 minute ago, Zod said:

It definitely could. People always overshoot how soon QBs will be taken. 

Yep.  Every season it seems someone "falls".  And I still dont believe the Falcons and/or the Lions will go qb.  That would be doing a giant reset on both franchises that dont need to be reset. 

[mrcompletely11]

17 minutes ago, Zod said:

 

8. Carolina Panthers: Zach Wilson, QB

Everything comes up roses for the Panthers, as Wilson falls right into their lap at No. 8. The BYU signal-caller has incredible arm talent, is mobile and has the ability to make plays outside the pocket that is critical in the modern NFL.

 

 

https://theathletic.com/2318931/2021/01/18/zach-wilson-byu-highlights-aaron-roderick/

 

This is a fun watch.  Kid has a rocket arm and throws dimes

[unicar15]

Definitely seems like there are at least 10 elite non-QB players who have a good chance to go ahead of Fields, Wilson, and Lance

[LinvilleGorge]

[hepcat]

I’m honestly more hopeful about any QB the Panthers draft because he most likely will not have to start his rookie season. The best QB’s had some time on the bench when they were rookies. Let’s just look at the QBs left in the playoffs. Josh Allen started mid rookie season. Brady didn’t start until his 2nd season, Mahomes sat for a season, and Rodgers spent 3 years on the bench. None of them started the first game their rookie season.

With Bridgewater on the roster next season it’s the perfect time to draft a rookie. As soon as the rookie is ready, Bridgewater gets the boot. 

[Mr. Scot]

A GM from the Seahawks drafting a quarterback named Wilson...

[cardiackat88.]

Noooooo

Lets trade the next 5-10 years for Deshaun Watson, not be able to afford free agents, and have zero capitol to acquire more talent 

[JawnyBlaze]

This would be ideal. All comes down to whether the Jets draft a QB or if a team trades up for one. 

[rippadonn]

Damaged goods. No thanks. Already had a surgery similar to Cam. How long will it hold up with NFL bodies delivering crushing blows? Small frame too? Nah yo.

 

[GoobyPls]

My dream scenario