NFL Mock Draft: Carolina Panthers Post-Combine Edition

player. 87. Carolina added what appears to be a young stud in the fourth round of last year’s draft, and they strike again in round four at the strong safety position.  Central Florida’s <strong>Clayton Geathers</strong> is in the middle of the pack of a weak safety class.  However, Geathers is no slouch.  He is a hard-hitting, run stopping safety with a big frame.  Standing at 6’2″ and 218-pounds, Geathers is physical in the open field. He will have no issue covering tight ends, but he thrives in what Defensive Coordinator Sean McDermott is looking for in his strong safety – run stuffing. His combine numbers caught my attention, as he posted 22 reps on the bench press, in addition to a 37″ vertical. Geathers also clocked an athletic 4.55 40-time, and a nice 120″ broad jump.  Numbers aside, Geathers fits what the Panthers’ defense needs in a SS. He and Boston could lock down the backend of the Carolina defense for a long time. He is very instinctual, which can be a good or bad thing for a young player.  However, his stout defense and constant tackling numbers reflect a player that is often in the right place, at the right time.. SAF. Central Florida. Clayton Geathers. 121