My First Mock Draft

[Rick Grimes]

Here’s what I want to see happen:

First off, get yourself another pick.

#14 overall sent to Minnesota (for the likes of Tavon Austin after losing Percy Harvin), received #23 and #52 overall

1^st Round (23): WR DeAndre Hopkins (Clemson)

Say what you will about his 4.57 40 time at the Combine, but “Nuk” is the most complete receiver in the draft. At 6’ 1” 214 lbs., I see a lot of Roddy White (6’ 0” 211 lbs.) in him. Yes, he will not burn you off the line like an Austin or Patterson, but he will be an absolute force physically, especially on smaller corners. You can also make a case for best hands and route running in the class after watching film as well. Lafell is questionable at best right now for the No. 2 spot and Smitty doesn’t seem to have many years left in the league. I think you bring Hopkins in and he will beat Lafell for the No. 2 job from day one. He then will eventually become a dominant #1 after a few years in the league. A very consistent and reliable target, something we haven’t had much of the last couple of years.

2^nd Round (44): DT

(Honestly, I like John Jenkins from UGA here, but I feel he’ll be gone by this point so I went with Williams.) There is no questioning that there has not been a solid, consistent force in the middle for a while. While guys like Star, Richardson, Williams, etc. are worth the 1^st Round pick, this is a pretty deep class when it comes to Defensive Tackle. At 6’ 3” 323 lbs., Williams is a guy who has bulk who can just demolish guys, but at the same time, has enough speed to chase down his targets and finish the play. Great pick here if still available.

2^nd Round (52): OT DJ Fluker (Alabama)

(I hate Alabama, but they produce quality players.) Another area of concern is on the O-Line, especially with all of the injuries that took place last year. Fluker is a guy that at 6’ 4” 339 lbs., he will be able to hold his own against some of the talent that we play week in and week out. He is a main reason why AJ McCarron has been considered one of the best QB’s in the nation s because he gives him solid protection. If still available, he is a steal for sure.

4^th Round (108): CB/S Tyrann Mathieu (LSU)

I know, I know. His off the field reputation is something to be less than desirable, which is why he will fall this far. That along with he didn’t play one snap last year of organized ball. But no one can question his play making ability. The front office has brought in some veterans in Florence and Moore to bring some depth to the CB spot, so that’s why I think it’s okay to take a gamble on Mathieu. This team needs some excitement in the secondary and I can’t think of anyone else you’re going to find in the 4^th Round that has this kind of game changing ability. If he is here, roll the dice for once.

5^th Round (148): DE Malliciah Goodman (Clemson)

Here’s your diamond in the rough. I hadn’t even heard of him until I was actually researching guys like Mingo and Montgomery for LSU and I stumbled onto Mr. Goodman when they faced each other in the Chickfila Bowl. While he does not have overall impressive film, he does show signs of explosion that will help add quality depth. At 6’ 3” 276 lbs., he has the size you’re looking for as well as great speed and moves to get to the QB in a hurry. This game against LSU might get him snagged earlier, but if he hangs around like I think he will, he’ll be a great rotation guy behind Johnson and Hardy.

6^th Round (182): RB Onterio McCalebb (Auburn)

I would love to snag someone like Marcus Lattimore, but I don’t think he is worth any more than a 6^th Round pick and honestly, he’ll probably be gone by the end of the 5^th. So that brings me to McCalebb. You look at our stable of backs and for the most part, it is pretty physically dominated. A change of pace back would provide versatility in this offense that would force the defense to eye him due to his explosive speed. A small frame, 5’ 10” 168 lbs., Running an official 4.34 at the Combine just shows the kind of speed we are talking about. Not only is he fast, but more importantly he is extremely agile. I can see definitely him being used for kickoffs, similar to Trindon Holliday of the Broncos. Either way, he is worth a shot if he reaches the 6^th Round.

[Kurb]

I would not hate this.

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

Would love this draft but really doubt Fluker and Mathieu are there where you have them being selected. I think Fluker will go top 25.

[Pejorative Miscreant]

I like the 2nd round but not sure about everything else. There will be a safety or 2 on the board in 5 or 6 that could potentially make an impact to this team

[Shermdog]

I like it.

[JawnyBlaze]

I like it too, but Fluker is being talked about as a 1st round pick probably. Switch him out for Warford or Rambo to make it a little more realistic and I'd definitely dig this draft.

[JawnyBlaze]

And I'd be happy with any of the 3 Williams DTs with our 2nd pick.

[Rhell]

That would be swell, but I don't really see a player somebody would be willing to trade up for around our spot unfortunately. And what is about the love everyone seems to have for Mathieu, he might be a pretty good nickle corner...but we have like 3 of those already.

[Panthersguru14]

I don't like Matthieu at all and I don't like a RB with the depth we already have. I like the DE pick but If you changed the 4th and 6th I can live with it

[Dash Global]

Williams and Flukner wont be there in the 2nd

[carolina-chuck]

Like it a lot

[Jackofalltrades]

I don't think Honey Badger will last that long. I really think a team will gamble on him in the 3rd, someone with a strong lockerroom.

I like the draft overall, Top 2 would contribute right away and I would sit Fluker for a year and replace Gross next season.