Joe Person presents: Panthers 7-round mock draft spectacular

[TheSpecialJuan]

Round 1, pick No. 1 (from Chicago)

C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

I really wanted to change this up and thought seriously about doing so after hearing more buzz around Young and the top pick while in Phoenix for the NFL owners meetings. But every time I tried, I just kept coming back to those post-pro day moments I observed between Reich and Stroud, and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown and Stroud, in Columbus two weeks ago. Maybe McCown offered to play a game of HORSE with Young during his pre-draft visit to Charlotte, too (Reich indicated last week such friendly hoops competitions might become a thing for prospect visits, as they were during his time in Indianapolis). It’s not just Stroud’s size that gives him the edge over Young. It’s his size and accuracy, which Reich holds in high regard in his evaluations. I might flip-flop at some point over the next month, but I’m not there yet.

Round 2, pick No. 39

DJ Turner, CB, Michigan

Fitterer has said the Bears were interested in the 39th pick during trade talks for the No. 1 selection. But the Panthers weren’t budging. Why? Because Fitterer believes there’s good value this year in the top half of the second round, where the Panthers could find a cornerback, edge rusher or linebacker. With Donte Jackson recovering from Achilles’ surgery and C.J. Henderson still prone to inconsistent play, we went corner here. And not just any corner, but one who ran the fastest 40 (4.26 seconds) at the combine among all positions. But the 5-11 Turner isn’t just a burner. NBC Sports’ Chris Simms rates Turner as his No. 2 corner behind Illinois’ Devon Witherspoon, and believes Turner is more technically sound than his Big Ten peer. Turner can play nickel (where the Panthers have a need) or outside (where they might depending on Jackson’s rehab), and receivers will have a hard time running past him. As Simms said, “Turner’s ability to turn and close the gap and close on the ball on a go route is effortless.”

Round 3, Pick No. 93 (from San Francisco)

Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa

Yes, the Panthers signed Hayden Hurst in free agency to give their rookie quarterback a safety valve over the middle. But I don’t think they’re done at the position. And they shouldn’t be, given how deep and talented this tight end group is. LaPorta doesn’t have the size of Darnell Washington (6-foot-7, 264 pounds) and might not match the athleticism of Dalton Kincaid or Luke Musgrave. But the 6-3, 245-pounder is a playmaker who accounted for 32.3 percent of the Hawkeyes’ receiving yards last season, the highest percentage of any FBS tight end. The Panthers took tight end Tommy Tremble in the third round in 2021. And while Tremble has shown the occasional flash, the Panthers need more at a position that is a big part of Reich’s offense. Iowa has produced a pair of Pro Bowl tight ends in T.J. Hockenson and George Kittle. LaPorta would represent tremendous value if the Panthers can get him within the first 100 picks.

Round 4, Pick No. 114

Jonathan Mingo, WR, Mississippi

After sending DJ Moore to Chicago, the Panthers added a pair of wideouts in free agency. But D.J. Chark signed only a one-year deal and is coming off foot/ankle surgery, while Adam Thielen will be 33 when the season starts. Plus, Reich might not view the other receivers on the roster as highly as the previous regime. All of which is to say, it makes sense to continue stocking the position for a new staff and a new quarterback. Mingo, who caught 51 passes for 861 yards and five touchdowns last season, reportedly will make a pre-draft visit to Carolina. Despite good size (6-2, 220) and decent speed, Mingo was not super productive in college. But he’s a good route runner and strong when attacking the football — two qualities which could make him attractive to the Panthers as a slot guy in their three-receiver sets.

Round 4, Pick No. 132 (from San Francisco)

Jakorian Bennett, CB, Maryland

Remember when Fitterer said the Panthers were in position to make some “sexy” additions after taking care of the offensive line last year? He also talked about adding speed and explosive playmakers on both sides of the ball. Well, after taking the fastest player at the combine in the second round, the Panthers snag the second-fastest player from combine testing (4.30 seconds) in the fourth. Bennett had a knack for getting his hands on passes at Maryland, where his 29 pass breakups were the most among all FBS players over the past two seasons. Bennett, who’s 5-foot-11 and 188 pounds, capped his college career with a game-sealing interception against N.C. State to win MVP honors in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, played in the Panthers’ stadium. On Day 3 of the draft last year, Fitterer took linebacker Brandon Smith and defensive end Amare’ Barno — two traits-type players whose skill sets were more impressive than their college tape. Bennett might fall into the same category after dropping several interceptions for the Terps, although — like Jaycee Horn — he’s not afraid to play aggressively in challenging the catch.

Round 5, Pick No. 145

Isaiah Moore, LB, N.C. State

After going down with a season-ending ACL injury in 2021, Moore bounced back with a strong 2022 season in which he filled up the stat sheet for the Wolfpack. The 6-2, 233-pound Moore racked up 82 tackles, including 15 for loss, to go with three sacks and three pass breakups. The Panthers brought in several high-character free agents after Reich was hired, and Moore would be another. The Virginia native wore the No. 1 jersey at N.C. State, given to a player who’s demonstrated a combination of work ethic, character, leadership and on-field accomplishments. Scouts view Moore as a natural inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, a spot where the Panthers could use some depth behind Shaq Thompson, Frankie Luvu and Smith. Moore reportedly impressed the Patriots while playing for New England’s staff at the East-West Shrine Bowl.

[TheSpecialJuan]

https://theathletic.com/4369214/2023/03/31/carolina-panthers-mock-draft-receivers-running-backs/

[jayboogieman]

Two corners? No edge or Oline depth? Person fails again.

[bythenbrs]

4 minutes ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

Round 1, pick No. 1 (from Chicago)

C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

I really wanted to change this up and thought seriously about doing so after hearing more buzz around Young and the top pick while in Phoenix for the NFL owners meetings. But every time I tried, I just kept coming back to those post-pro day moments I observed between Reich and Stroud, and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown and Stroud, in Columbus two weeks ago. Maybe McCown offered to play a game of HORSE with Young during his pre-draft visit to Charlotte, too (Reich indicated last week such friendly hoops competitions might become a thing for prospect visits, as they were during his time in Indianapolis). It’s not just Stroud’s size that gives him the edge over Young. It’s his size and accuracy, which Reich holds in high regard in his evaluations. I might flip-flop at some point over the next month, but I’m not there yet.

Round 2, pick No. 39

DJ Turner, CB, Michigan

Fitterer has said the Bears were interested in the 39th pick during trade talks for the No. 1 selection. But the Panthers weren’t budging. Why? Because Fitterer believes there’s good value this year in the top half of the second round, where the Panthers could find a cornerback, edge rusher or linebacker. With Donte Jackson recovering from Achilles’ surgery and C.J. Henderson still prone to inconsistent play, we went corner here. And not just any corner, but one who ran the fastest 40 (4.26 seconds) at the combine among all positions. But the 5-11 Turner isn’t just a burner. NBC Sports’ Chris Simms rates Turner as his No. 2 corner behind Illinois’ Devon Witherspoon, and believes Turner is more technically sound than his Big Ten peer. Turner can play nickel (where the Panthers have a need) or outside (where they might depending on Jackson’s rehab), and receivers will have a hard time running past him. As Simms said, “Turner’s ability to turn and close the gap and close on the ball on a go route is effortless.”

Round 3, Pick No. 93 (from San Francisco)

Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa

Yes, the Panthers signed Hayden Hurst in free agency to give their rookie quarterback a safety valve over the middle. But I don’t think they’re done at the position. And they shouldn’t be, given how deep and talented this tight end group is. LaPorta doesn’t have the size of Darnell Washington (6-foot-7, 264 pounds) and might not match the athleticism of Dalton Kincaid or Luke Musgrave. But the 6-3, 245-pounder is a playmaker who accounted for 32.3 percent of the Hawkeyes’ receiving yards last season, the highest percentage of any FBS tight end. The Panthers took tight end Tommy Tremble in the third round in 2021. And while Tremble has shown the occasional flash, the Panthers need more at a position that is a big part of Reich’s offense. Iowa has produced a pair of Pro Bowl tight ends in T.J. Hockenson and George Kittle. LaPorta would represent tremendous value if the Panthers can get him within the first 100 picks.

Round 4, Pick No. 114

Jonathan Mingo, WR, Mississippi

After sending DJ Moore to Chicago, the Panthers added a pair of wideouts in free agency. But D.J. Chark signed only a one-year deal and is coming off foot/ankle surgery, while Adam Thielen will be 33 when the season starts. Plus, Reich might not view the other receivers on the roster as highly as the previous regime. All of which is to say, it makes sense to continue stocking the position for a new staff and a new quarterback. Mingo, who caught 51 passes for 861 yards and five touchdowns last season, reportedly will make a pre-draft visit to Carolina. Despite good size (6-2, 220) and decent speed, Mingo was not super productive in college. But he’s a good route runner and strong when attacking the football — two qualities which could make him attractive to the Panthers as a slot guy in their three-receiver sets.

Round 4, Pick No. 132 (from San Francisco)

Jakorian Bennett, CB, Maryland

Remember when Fitterer said the Panthers were in position to make some “sexy” additions after taking care of the offensive line last year? He also talked about adding speed and explosive playmakers on both sides of the ball. Well, after taking the fastest player at the combine in the second round, the Panthers snag the second-fastest player from combine testing (4.30 seconds) in the fourth. Bennett had a knack for getting his hands on passes at Maryland, where his 29 pass breakups were the most among all FBS players over the past two seasons. Bennett, who’s 5-foot-11 and 188 pounds, capped his college career with a game-sealing interception against N.C. State to win MVP honors in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, played in the Panthers’ stadium. On Day 3 of the draft last year, Fitterer took linebacker Brandon Smith and defensive end Amare’ Barno — two traits-type players whose skill sets were more impressive than their college tape. Bennett might fall into the same category after dropping several interceptions for the Terps, although — like Jaycee Horn — he’s not afraid to play aggressively in challenging the catch.

Round 5, Pick No. 145

Isaiah Moore, LB, N.C. State

After going down with a season-ending ACL injury in 2021, Moore bounced back with a strong 2022 season in which he filled up the stat sheet for the Wolfpack. The 6-2, 233-pound Moore racked up 82 tackles, including 15 for loss, to go with three sacks and three pass breakups. The Panthers brought in several high-character free agents after Reich was hired, and Moore would be another. The Virginia native wore the No. 1 jersey at N.C. State, given to a player who’s demonstrated a combination of work ethic, character, leadership and on-field accomplishments. Scouts view Moore as a natural inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, a spot where the Panthers could use some depth behind Shaq Thompson, Frankie Luvu and Smith. Moore reportedly impressed the Patriots while playing for New England’s staff at the East-West Shrine Bowl.

If the draft went like this, I would be very satisfied...

[bythenbrs]

2 minutes ago, jayboogieman said:

Two corners? No edge or Oline depth? Person fails again.

LOL.  I think we see this mock very differently.  Cheers!

[UnluckyforSome]

I think picking up an edge/dline player would be more beneficial than 2 corners. I do think corner will be a need though. Otherwise I am pretty ok with the selections. A little meh on te, but I do think we are underwhelming at best there.

[backINblack28]

he followed up posting this on twitter with saying that the scouts he talked to didn't love the depth at EDGE--doesn't mean we wouldn't pick it with 39 if the right player was there, but I don't mind this otherwise

[Pejorative Miscreant]

If it falls like that it’ll be ok.  Obviously would like to address edge but don’t want to reach.  

[jayboogieman]

3 minutes ago, bythenbrs said:

LOL.  I think we see this mock very differently.  Cheers!

Evidently, we do. Honestly, the Panthers should be taking Oline guys at least as cheap depth every year. Letting what happened to Newton and his line happen to whoever the next QB is should be something that gets Fitt and Co fired.

[pantherj]

He took two CBs, took DJ way too high, and failed to address the pass rush. He needs to go back and put in more effort.

[Matthias]

Better players will be available in the 2nd.

[Pup McBarky]

I'd be happy with the first 3 picks. After that, pick others please & thank you.

[WOW!!]

Yeah I would have taken 1 edge player .. Other then that It’s solid.. I like Mingo  he’s older but he is from the DK Metcaff , AJ brown type of WR and went to Ole Miss..

Edited March 31, 2023 by WOW!!

[Wolfcop]

His comments about Young rumblings at 1 don’t match what that other guy said. Who knows?