Carolina Panthers 3-Round Mock Draft (April 17th Edition)

With the 2019 NFL Draft just days away, the Carolina Panthers have somewhat narrowed down it’s focus. As it continues to pluck serviceable veterans in key positions, obvious holes are evident and expected to be addressed in the beginning rounds of the April 25th-27th event.

For the Carolina Panthers this year, the team has once again retooled after an unsuccessful year. Gone are some of Carolina’s best players, gone are some of Carolina’s older players, and gone are some of Carolina’s unsuccessful players. Yet, new Panthers Bruce Irvin, Chris Hogan, and Matt Paradis look to instill confidence and success where the team struggled heavily in throughout the season.

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Though the team has addressed needs that previously have become weaknesses, the feeling for all followers of Carolina Panthers football is that the team will focus more on the defensive side of the ball in the beginning rounds. And as a Panther fanatic, this thought process is one that holds more promise than anything. Stacked with many tremendous defensive players, the team should aim to return the defense into a nightmare for opposing offenses. With talents like Luke Kuechly, Eric Reid, and Kawann Short all in the prime of their careers, the front office cannot afford to waste precious time in getting more dominant players. And with that said, here’s a mock draft of what the Carolina Panthers could do.

With the 16th pick, the Carolina Panthers select

Brian Burns, defensive end, Florida State University. For Carolina, to overlook a premier talent in Burns would be an absolute mistake. Sure, the team could possibly take Clelin Ferrell out of Clemson if both were available, but Burns is a player build to be an a problem at defensive end. At 6’5″ and 249 lbs, Burns ran an impressive 4.53 40-yard dash at the draft combine after putting up 123 total tackles (38.5 for a loss), 23 sacks, and 7 forced fumbles. Last year at Florida State, Burns reached 10 sacks on the year, one more than Panthers’ leading sack artist Mario Addison gained. At 20 years old, Burns offers the youth and talent to play in the NFL. Capable of playing in the multiple front defense that Carolina will look to deploy, Burns is a capable defensive end or linebacker in either look. Similar to how the Panthers will use Irvin, look for the team to mold Burns into a hybrid player capable of dominating whatever position he faces.

With the 47th pick, the Carolina Panthers select

Taylor Rapp, safety, The University of Washington. Carolina, strikes gold twice in a row with the selection of the 6’0 safety out of Bellingham, Washington. The Panthers could easily selected Maryland safety Darnell Savage or Virginia safety Juan Thornhill, but both players seem to play more of an in the box safety, currently what they already have in both Eric Reid and possible release candidate Da’Norris Searcy. What the Panthers lack, is a high safety who can reliably read and react to pass happy offenses, something Rapp does relatively easily. Sure he has to improve on his tackling, but Rapp is an amazing athlete who always seems to gravitate wherever the ball is. Rapp finished his collegiate career with 168 total tackles (8.5 for loss), 7 interceptions, and one defensive touchdown, so it’s safe to say that he is an active player who can contribute often. With insecurity behind Reid, Panthers would be safe to bet on a player with Rapp’s athleticism.

With the 67th Pick, the Carolina Panthers select

Lonnie Johnson Jr., defensive back, University of Kentucky. Lonnie Johnson Jr. is BIG. At 6’3, Johnson would surpass James Bradberry as the tallest active defensive back and stand eye to eye with stars Kuechly, Irvin, and Kawann Short. Though he isn’t a gamechanging cornerback coming out of Kentucky, Johnson has the height to challenge for jumpballs. With comparable speed to Bradberry a slightly taller frame, Johnson would possibly have to sit behind starters Bradberry and Donte’ Jackson, as well as Ross Cockrell who will look to earn his place after returning from a season ending leg injury, before possibly contributing on a more consistent basis. Though Carolina could opt to address other needs, selecting Johnson gives the team valuable depth at a position that was exposed often during the season. Panthers officials have been quoted on saying that returning players Rashaan Gaulden and Corn Elder would compete for the nickel corner position, but adding an extra body would only increase the likelihood of a worthy player being utilized. Additionally, with his height, Johnson could play inside or outside. And Carolina seems extremely high on the Kentucky prospect.

With the 100th pick, the Carolina Panthers select

Dru Samia, offensive line, University of Oklahoma. With this pick, the Panthers break the streak and finally select it’s first offensive player. With the re-signing of Daryl Williams, the acquisition of Matt Paradis, and the continued play of Taylor Moton and Trai Turner, the Panthers are fairly set with four out of five starting offensive lineman. Each player has garnered positive attention for their outstanding play and should theoretically combine for a terrific group. With a Super Bowl winner, a four time Pro-Bowl selection, a Second Team All Pro, and a budding superstar all slotted to protect Cam Newton, the only other hole is presumably at left guard. Insert Samia. Samia is originally a right guard, but with practice could easily convert to the left. At 6’5 and 304 lbs, Samia is no lightweight. Though he may have his cons (very few, if any), he’s a strong athlete who looks for ways to help his offense. An excellent player with excellent size and excellent work ethic that would easily translate at the professional level. Combining Samia’s strengths with the strengths of the other front four would instantly improve a like that was mediocre at best last year with Greg Van Roten manning the position.