An Unrealistic Mock Draft

[Icege]

Because in my head, things make sense this way.

#1 Trade down with WAS for #10, #41, and 2012 1st

#10 Tyron Smith, OT, USC

Jeff Otah's injuries and toughness concerns along with Jordan Gross more than likely being done here after his contract runs up in 2013 means that the OT position is not stable. While I hesitated with this pick to not go for a DE instead, Tyron Smith needing time to develop I think would make it okay to take him in the 1st. Garry Williams won't be coming back, and Geoff Schwarz is coming along very nicely. Get some protection for whomever our franchise QB is going to be (hopefully we get him here in less than 2 more seasons!)

#41 Marvin Austin, DT, UNC

Why wait and hope that Austin drops? Go and get him in the 2nd round with the pick that was obtained from Washington to start clogging up the middle of the defensive line. Austin would be in the discussions for #1 DT if he hadn't sat out this season. He looked great at the Senior Bowl for somebody that hasn't played in an official game all season. The team likes to draft "home grown" players whenever possible. College in the Carolinas? Check. Position of need? Check.

#65 Ricky Stanzi, QB, Iowa

I have very little faith in Tony Pike. I've lost most of my faith in Jimmy Clausen. I don't think Stanzi could be the franchise QB we were hoping for, but QB is a position that cannot be ignored. We didn't have the answer last season with who was available, at the very least somebody needs to be replaced. Stanzi is garnering more and more attention, and I wouldn't be surprised if he goes in the 3rd to another team should Carolina not draft him.

#97 Jarvis Jenkins, DT, Clemson

Another homegrown DT to plug into the middle. Those who don't know much about football got to experience this year what not having a pocket-collapsing DT can cause. Austin was taken early on, but a viable starter is needed. The Panthers have shown in the past they're willing to draft two players for a position of need and let them compete for it. Jenkins was part of the line that helped Bowers have a break out year. Let's see if he can bring some of that mojo this way.

[Icege]

#98 John Moffitt, G/C, Wisconsin

Bernadeau had an awful season last year (which seemed to have been the theme for the season as a whole). He's at best a back-up LG. We have no depth behind Ryan Kalil and Duke Robinson is on shaky grounds after coming into training camp last year overweight and then heading to the IR. Moffitt could provide some stability to the interior and give us an insurance policy should (knock on wood) something happen to Kalil.

#132 Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh

What's this? Another solid DE that fell because of an injury? Get in the van Greg Romeus, there's candy inside. Who cares that the windows are painted over? GET IN THE VAN.

#166 Julius Thomas, TE, Portland State

Coach Rivera has expressed his desire for an elite TE. While Julius Thomas might not scream "elite", he does show that he's very teachable and has the rare luxury of not having to put up impressive numbers his first year. With Shockey and Barnidge ahead of him at the very least (assuming King and Rosario are not returning),

#203 Cortez Allen, CB, The Citadel

Richard Marshall tried really hard to make sure that he doesn't come back next season. By demanding more money and sitting out of training camp, and then not putting up #1 CB numbers (that's what he was rumored to be looking to be paid as), Marshall has shown that he's a great nickel, but not much else. Cortez Allen has the character that people wish Cam Newton had, and he's a way to tap into the Charleston market =D

#244 Josh Jasper, K, LSU

With the new rule moving kick offs up to the 35 yard line, guys like Rhys Lloyd are going to find themselves out of a job. John Kasay, the original Panther, is getting on in years and well... I don't think any Panthers fans want him kicking off ever again. Josh Jasper is one of the better kickers in this draft, and he can handle kick offs at the very least until Kasay heads off into thee sunset.

[stirs]

Thinking Washington will take Ponder in the second and might even trade down themselves from 10 to pick up another guy or two. Possible they sit there and take Julio Jones. Ponder will be great in a WCO which Skins will run. I was thinking just like you a week or two ago only with the Vikings moving up for a QB.