Carolina Panthers: 2012 NFL Draft do-over (6 rounds)
By Josh Linares
DT. MIKEDANIELS. 103. Pick Analysis. IOWA. player. 87. Scouting Report
Carolina Panthers 2012 Draft Pick No. 103: Mike Daniels over Frank Alexander
The Carolina Panthers had back to back picks in the fourth round. And with the first, they selected Oklahoma defensive end, Frank Alexander.
The Panthers were searching for a defensive end to play opposite Charles Johnson to help bring heavy pressure from both sides, and they thought Alexander was that player. He was primarily a backup during his rookie year, but he did get to start three games. He finished the season with two and a half sacks and 18 tackles. Not terrible numbers for a fourth-round pick.
His second year he didn’t improve the way the Panthers wanted. He still only started three games but he only had one sack and 15 tackles. Alexander didn’t look like the pass rusher Carolina needed.
Heading into the 2014 season, Alexander received a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. When his suspension was supposed to end, the defensive lineman was given a ten-game ban for violating the same policy again.
In the pre-season of 2015, Alexander tore his Achilles tendon and was waived. Later that season he was suspended for an entire year for a third substance-abuse violation.
Alexander never played again for the Panthers. They should have passed on the defensive lineman with off the field issues and taken the pass rusher who would become a very good player in the NFL.
The Green Bay Packers used the 132nd pick in the draft to select Iowa defensive lineman Mike Daniels. He didn’t play much in his first two seasons, but he finished with 6.5 sacks in year two.
In Daniels’ third season he started all 16 games and had 5.5 sacks and 41 tackles. He showed a lot of improvement and would be the Packers’ defensive tackle moving forward.
From 2015 to 2018 Daniels was the Packers’ best defensive lineman and he had 15 sacks, 149 tackles, and 26 tackles for loss. He also made a Pro Bowl in 2017.
Daniels left Green Bay following the 2018 season and signed with the Detroit Lions. Unfortunately, he battled injuries and was only able to start two games. Hopefully, the player can return to his old self next season.