Carolina Panthers Draft: 5 best fits available in round 2

Josh Jones – OT (Houston)

There was a significant run on offensive lineman during the first round. This makes it all the more surprising that Josh Jones was not one of the players taken.

He has all the makings of an elite offensive tackle at the next level. Jones might still be a little raw, but there is nothing to suggest he doesn’t have the physical attributes to be coached up and make a real go of his professional career.

Jones is an incredibly athletic individual who has no trouble at all making a blocking impact at the second level. His strength at the point of attack is exemplary and is a potentially dominant presence in either the passing game od during running situations.

Hearing Jones’ name called would be music to the ears of new quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey. Taylor Moton going to get the opportunity to make the right tackle spot his own in 2020. But newly acquired veteran Russell Okung is heading into the final year of his deal and it remains to be seen whether a mutual commitment will be reached long term.

Either way, a youthful figure will need to be selected either in this Draft or next. Jones is a high-value pick at No. 38 if the opportunity presents itself.

This would also be a good landing spot for the player. There wouldn’t be a great deal of pressure on Jones making an instant contribution thanks to the presence of Okung and Moton. Developing at his own pace and being integrated slowly would do wonders for his overall chances of a prolonged career in the NFL.