Best Guess Mock & Wants (What You Think We Do vs. Who You Want)

[Bear Hands]

Being a handful of days out, I was interested to see where everyone's guts vs. wants are. 

Time to get both predictive and give a shout to your top prospects...no novels here, just interested to see where fans' heads are at.

 

What I think we'll do: (I'd be nervous but still somewhat excited)

Nate Wiggins CB Clemson

Xavier Legette WR South Carolina

Jonathan Brooks RB Texas

Brenden Rice WR USC

Austin Booker EDGE Kansas

 

Who I want:

Zach Frazier C WVU

Ja'Lynn Polk WR Washington

Malik Washington WR Virginia

Ben Sinnott TE Kansas State

Caelen Carson CB Wake Forest

Blake Watson RB Memphis

*Shoutout to Sainristil, Kneeland, & CO State's Kamara.  Some additional targets I like.

 

 

 

 

[ProcessBlue2]

My guess is the one that’s starts with Wilson. I think the draft will look something like that. 
 

One of the favorite mocks I’ve made is the one that starts with Frazier.

[top dawg]

It's just too much work for me to take a stab, but I will leave you with this: If Ladd McConkey is somehow available at 33, we'll likely take him above all. 

Look for us to capitalize on a faller and trade back. And, if we don't trade back, we will pick a legit first round faller at 33. If we pick at 33, we will definitely use 39 to trade back, and whatever the first pick after that is, we will pick Xavier Legette if he is there. 

[MHS831]

 

Good post!  I will respond to your names (because you wanted feedback--you did not say good feedback).  then I will provide my list.

What I think we'll do: (I'd be nervous but still somewhat excited)

Nate Wiggins CB Clemson:  I just think he is CJ Henderson II.  I think we need CBs who are strong in run support, and I question this about him.

Xavier Legette WR South Carolina   Not a good route runner and he is not known for separation, our biggest problem.  However, if we use him differently--his strength is YAC.  I have not heard this yet, and his problems are fixable.  He is a great athlete.

Jonathan Brooks RB Texas  This, to me, is more likely than people realize.  The Panthers want a stud RB behind Bryce.  While I would wait until the end of the draft because Chubba is entering his prime, I can see this as an option.  Giving Bryce weapons does not mean WRs.  TEs and RBs count too.  Brooks caught 25 passes for nearly 300 yards in just 10 games in 2023 (before his injury) and he rushed for 1100 yards in 10 games.  He would be a weapon.

Brenden Rice WR USC  It is hard to believe the son of the best WR of all time is a sleeper.  However, this draft has 2 other WRs from NFL Royalty (Harrison, McCaffrey) and I would want all of them on my team.  Rice is big enough to play the X and has upside.  I can see it.  They brought him in, so they might like him.  We shall see.

Austin Booker EDGE Kansas  As with many edges taken after round 1, they are very "boom or bust."  Booker has the skills we need, and he seems to fit the mold of a guy that comes on strong during his second or third NFL season.  With Clowney on a 2-year deal, this is the time to find a rotational Edge to develop.

 

Who I want:

Zach Frazier C WVU  At first I thought, "He does not have the range to play in a wide zone scheme, but the more I watched him on videos, the more I disagree with that assumption.  He is a punishing C who would intimidate any LB deciding to blitz A gap.  With a 5' 10" QB, that might be what we need.

Ja'Lynn Polk WR Washington--I have not considered him as much so I need to watch some videos and read a few analyses.

Malik Washington WR Virginia  (he was all they had at Virginia, but he stepped up.   I think he is a perfect fit for us long term.)

Ben Sinnott TE Kansas State   This TE class is catching a bunch of heat from the experts, probably because their is such a huge drop from Bowers to everyone else.  Sinnott is a bruiser who played, among other things, a FB role at KSU.  He is tough, can block, and had over 1000 yards receiving during 2022 and 2023.  I like him.

Caelen Carson CB Wake Forest  Personally, I like Carson.  I think the draft is LOADED with these mid round CBs who can immediately improve our depth.  I like James from Auburn, Sanristil from Michigan (who will go round 2, my guess), and Max Melton from Rutgers.

Blake Watson RB Memphis  I can see it, but he is a bit small, which works to his advantage. He will turn 25 during the season, which means he is likely a one-contract player--and that is fine with me, frankly--I would not have a RB on a second contract--I'd treat them like college players--four years and done.  I also like Benson (Fla St), 245 lb.  Allen from Wisconsin, Davis from SD State, Estime from Notre Dame, and Vidal from Troy.  We have no reason to take a RB until day 3.

*Shoutout to Sainristil, Kneeland, & CO State's Kamara.  Some additional targets I like.

MHS's Panther Draft Bible for NFL Agnostics

What I would do:

1.  Pick 33.  I think we trade back with the 33rd pick and either pick up that second rounder in 2025 or grab another player at the end of round 2 and a third rounder.  There are some exceptions:  If  WRs Thomas or Mitchell are there, they take the WR.  Having said that, I think Morgan and Luke have made comments about Payton Wilson.  He is special in their eyes.  I also think they should be worried about the CB position and how we have a former 7th rounder Dane Jackson at one CB, and the best CB in the NFL when healthy at the other side--he is just never healthy.  We are weak with an aging CB at Nickel.  This is a bigger need than we realize, but because the offense is the focus, they are not talking about it.  If Kool Aid drops, he could be the pick at 33.  I FEAR that we do something stupid like draft a RB in the second.  I would also take Center Graham Barton from Duke at #33 if he falls.  He is going to be an all-pro center for a decade, and I think a smart C would help any developing QB.

2. Pick 39.  I am crushing on the following players:  Wilson (LB), Ladd (WR), Pearsall (WR), Frazier (C), Chop (Edge--I think he is over valued and could fall to around 40), and this will blow minds--Jordan Morgan (T).  I think we could take Morgan and try to trade Moton and some of that $30m cap hit.  He is 30 and probably in his last year regardless.  In my mind, we are building to launch a competitive team in 2025, and the fewer rookies you need to count on in 2025 the better.  Morgan is a solid OT.  However, we have a veteran swing T and Brady Christensen, but this is not a depth move--this is finding a starter who can replace a huge cap drainer.  If the goal is to change the offense so that the QB releases the ball in 2.7 seconds, any temporary drop off in production is worth the long term value.

3. Pick 65.  I think we need a starting-caliber WR, CB, and TE--but I am not sure that a TE better that Tremble will be available.  The "sweet spot" for CBs is from the middle of the second round to the middle of the third.  If we trade down as suggested, I would target Sainristil (who is nearly 24) or Rakestraw in the mid to late second.  If not, target Melton (Rutgers) Green or Jones (FSU), Jackson (Ore) Tampa (Iowa St) or my favorite, James (Auburn).   This is where you shop for CBs, imo.

My realistic dream scenario?  Margo Robbie is wearing a silky....OK, I am back. 

33.  Graham Barton, C (Will be best C in NFL quickly)  Solidify the OL now and address RT next year.

39.  Ricky Pearsall, WR  (A great athlete that has been pigeon holed into the slot or F WR spot.  He is a better athlete and much younger than Thielen, who had 1000 yards last season.) 

65.  DJ James, CB.  Many boards have him anywhere from 65 to 175--but he is a good player.

What will the Panthers do?

•  draft a WR at 33 (Thomas, Mitchell, or Legette)
•  draft Payton WIlson at 39.
• draft a RB or CB at 65.

Edited April 21 by MHS831

[Bear Hands]

15 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

 

Good post!  I will respond to your names (because you wanted feedback--you did not say good feedback).  then I will provide my list.

What I think we'll do: (I'd be nervous but still somewhat excited)

Nate Wiggins CB Clemson:  I just think he is CJ Henderson II.  I think we need CBs who are strong in run support, and I question this about him.

Xavier Legette WR South Carolina   Not a good route runner and he is not known for separation, our biggest problem.  However, if we use him differently--his strength is YAC.  I have not heard this yet, and his problems are fixable.  He is a great athlete.

Jonathan Brooks RB Texas  This, to me, is more likely than people realize.  The Panthers want a stud RB behind Bryce.  While I would wait until the end of the draft because Chubba is entering his prime, I can see this as an option.  Giving Bryce weapons does not mean WRs.  TEs and RBs count too.  Brooks caught 25 passes for nearly 300 yards in just 10 games in 2023 (before his injury) and he rushed for 1100 yards in 10 games.  He would be a weapon.

Brenden Rice WR USC  It is hard to believe the son of the best WR of all time is a sleeper.  However, this draft has 2 other WRs from NFL Royalty (Harrison, McCaffrey) and I would want all of them on my team.  Rice is big enough to play the X and has upside.  I can see it.  They brought him in, so they might like him.  We shall see.

Austin Booker EDGE Kansas  As with many edges taken after round 1, they are very "boom or bust."  Booker has the skills we need, and he seems to fit the mold of a guy that comes on strong during his second or third NFL season.  With Clowney on a 2-year deal, this is the time to find a rotational Edge to develop.

 

Who I want:

Zach Frazier C WVU  At first I thought, "He does not have the range to play in a wide zone scheme, but the more I watched him on videos, the more I disagree with that assumption.  He is a punishing C who would intimidate any LB deciding to blitz A gap.  With a 5' 10" QB, that might be what we need.

Ja'Lynn Polk WR Washington--I have not considered him as much so I need to watch some videos and read a few analyses.

Malik Washington WR Virginia  (he was all they had at Virginia, but he stepped up.   I think he is a perfect fit for us long term.)

Ben Sinnott TE Kansas State   This TE class is catching a bunch of heat from the experts, probably because their is such a huge drop from Bowers to everyone else.  Sinnott is a bruiser who played, among other things, a FB role at KSU.  He is tough, can block, and had over 1000 yards receiving during 2022 and 2023.  I like him.

Caelen Carson CB Wake Forest  Personally, I like Carson.  I think the draft is LOADED with these mid round CBs who can immediately improve our depth.  I like James from Auburn, Sanristil from Michigan (who will go round 2, my guess), and Max Melton from Rutgers.

Blake Watson RB Memphis  I can see it, but he is a bit small, which works to his advantage. He will turn 25 during the season, which means he is likely a one-contract player--and that is fine with me, frankly--I would not have a RB on a second contract--I'd treat them like college players--four years and done.  I also like Benson (Fla St), 245 lb.  Allen from Wisconsin, Davis from SD State, Estime from Notre Dame, and Vidal from Troy.  We have no reason to take a RB until day 3.

*Shoutout to Sainristil, Kneeland, & CO State's Kamara.  Some additional targets I like.

MHS's Panther Draft Bible for NFL Agnostics

What I would do:

1.  Pick 33.  I think we trade back with the 33rd pick and either pick up that second rounder in 2025 or grab another player at the end of round 2 and a third rounder.  There are some exceptions:  If  WRs Thomas or Mitchell are there, they take the WR.  Having said that, I think Morgan and Luke have made comments about Payton Wilson.  He is special in their eyes.  I also think they should be worried about the CB position and how we have a former 7th rounder Dane Jackson at one CB, and the best CB in the NFL when healthy at the other side--he is just never healthy.  We are weak with an aging CB at Nickel.  This is a bigger need than we realize, but because the offense is the focus, they are not talking about it.  If Kool Aid drops, he could be the pick at 33.  I FEAR that we do something stupid like draft a RB in the second.  I would also take Center Graham Barton from Duke at #33 if he falls.  He is going to be an all-pro center for a decade, and I think a smart C would help any developing QB.

2. Pick 39.  I am crushing on the following players:  Wilson (LB), Ladd (WR), Pearsall (WR), Frazier (C), Chop (Edge--I think he is over valued and could fall to around 40), and this will blow minds--Jordan Morgan (T).  I think we could take Morgan and try to trade Moton and some of that $30m cap hit.  He is 30 and probably in his last year regardless.  In my mind, we are building to launch a competitive team in 2025, and the fewer rookies you need to count on in 2025 the better.  Morgan is a solid OT.  However, we have a veteran swing T and Brady Christensen, but this is not a depth move--this is finding a starter who can replace a huge cap drainer.  If the goal is to change the offense so that the QB releases the ball in 2.7 seconds, any temporary drop off in production is worth the long term value.

3. Pick 65.  I think we need a starting-caliber WR, CB, and TE--but I am not sure that a TE better that Tremble will be available.  The "sweet spot" for CBs is from the middle of the second round to the middle of the third.  If we trade down as suggested, I would target Sainristil (who is nearly 24) or Rakestraw in the mid to late second.  If not, target Melton (Rutgers) Green or Jones (FSU), Jackson (Ore) Tampa (Iowa St) or my favorite, James (Auburn).   This is where you shop for CBs, imo.

My realistic dream scenario?  Margo Robbie is wearing a silky....OK, I am back. 

33.  Graham Barton, C (Will be best C in NFL quickly)  Solidify the OL now and address RT next year.

39.  Ricky Pearsall, WR  (A great athlete that has been pigeon holed into the slot or F WR spot.  He is a better athlete and much younger than Thielen, who had 1000 yards last season.) 

65.  DJ James, CB.  Many boards have him anywhere from 65 to 175--but he is a good player.

What will the Panthers do?

•  draft a WR at 33 (Thomas, Mitchell, or Legette)
•  draft Payton WIlson at 39.
• draft a RB or CB at 65.

Thanks for the effort - Maybe my post is being misinterpreted-I'm just saying list of names..

Who do you think we end up with vs. who you want us to get

Although do appreciate you typing all that up - good stuff

 

[LinvilleGorge]

12 hours ago, Bear Hands said:

Being a handful of days out, I was interested to see where everyone's guts vs. wants are. 

Time to get both predictive and give a shout to your top prospects...no novels here, just interested to see where fans' heads are at.

 

What I think we'll do: (I'd be nervous but still somewhat excited)

Nate Wiggins CB Clemson

Xavier Legette WR South Carolina

Jonathan Brooks RB Texas

Brenden Rice WR USC

Austin Booker EDGE Kansas

 

Who I want:

Zach Frazier C WVU

Ja'Lynn Polk WR Washington

Malik Washington WR Virginia

Ben Sinnott TE Kansas State

Caelen Carson CB Wake Forest

Blake Watson RB Memphis

*Shoutout to Sainristil, Kneeland, & CO State's Kamara.  Some additional targets I like.

 

 

 

 

I really liked Kamara watching that Colorado/Colorado State game before I realized that Colorado's OL was completely horrendous. I didn't watch any other Colorado State games to get any further baseline.

Kamara absolutely ATE vs. Colorado.

[WhoKnows]

I don’t get the comp of Wiggins to CJ. CJ wasn’t good at anything. Personally, I just want another CB who can cover and stay healthy. Worrying about run support over coverage doesn’t make sense to me. Gimme Deion all day over a mediocre coverage guy with great run support. If a team is running that much against us, it’s because we are already 2 scores down.

[MHS831]

6 hours ago, Bear Hands said:

Thanks for the effort - Maybe my post is being misinterpreted-I'm just saying list of names..

Who do you think we end up with vs. who you want us to get

Although do appreciate you typing all that up - good stuff

 

I love the analysis part--you were clear, but I wanted the extra gold star on my paper.

[Ted Ginn Jr.'s Hands]

I'll bite, but I don't know as much as yall.

Guys id like to see at 33 and 39:

If Chop Robinson drops out of the back half of the draft, take him (unlikely).  Otherwise take McConkey or A

Mitchell if they are there.  Don't take Leggette or coleman, need guys that can separate.

I think we need a wr here and the best available player at cb, c, or edge.  

Guys I'd like to see in rounds 3\4:   I think we'd be stupid not to roll the dice on another wr bc there are still a ton of very good prospects at this point in the draft and we will need to replace Thielen production and johnson if he leaves

 

[45catfan]

Option 1 at #33: Trade back

Targets for #33 that may fall:  McKinstry, JPJ, Mitchell

Targets for #33 at value or slight reach: McConkey, Franklin, Rakestraw

Targets for #39: Fiske, Wilson, Lassiter, Pearsall, Frazier

Targets for #65: Braswell, Tampa, Polk Jenkins, Sainristil, Corley, Melton, Elliss

As you can see, my list gets more extensive as the draft goes on.  I realize most of these guys will be off the board.  However, I see a ton of value from the second round to about a quarter of the way through the 3rd.  That is exactly why trading back some is completely okay with me. 

Edited April 21 by 45catfan

[Aussie Tank]

I think they go

33. Peyton Wilson 

39. Legette 

65. A running back 

What I want 

33. JPJ

39. Franklin 

65. Sainristil 

[frankw]

19 hours ago, ProcessBlue2 said:

My guess is the one that’s starts with Wilson. I think the draft will look something like that. 
 

One of the favorite mocks I’ve made is the one that starts with Frazier.

Drafting a linebacker with our first pick would certainly be...something.

I'd be fine with taking the best center on the board.

[Jon Snow]

You might want to wait until the 1st round is over before you go through all this trouble to only only have to start over anyway. 

[SouthCarolina_Panther]

I've been doing recent mocks on who've been brought in/visited.  

Who we do:

33. Legette

39. Edgerrin Cooper 

65. Mike Sainrisril, Sarshawn Kneeland or Masson Smith

 

What I want:

33. A. Mitchell

39. Darius Robinson 

65. T.J. Tampa