5 shocking draft picks the Carolina Panthers could make at No. 6

Carolina Panthers could select Garrett Wilson

With Robby Anderson being all but confirmed to be on the trading block and D.J. Moore needing to be extended very soon, there could be an immediate need for another weapon where the Carolina Panthers are concerned. Garrett Wilson fits that need like a glove as my top wide receiver in the draft.

While there are certainly more pressing needs, I have always been a firm believer in taking the best player available, and that could be Wilson come draft night.

Wilson is one in a long line of excellent receivers to come out of Ohio State in the past few years, and he might be the best of the bunch. A smooth route runner with excellent explosiveness that constantly leaves defenders feeling dizzy, the prospect routinely burned secondaries during his time opposite Chris Olave on the Buckeyes.

Wilson is built and plays in a mold similar to Chad Johnson, which is high praise for a college receiver, but one that fits his freakish tape. The way he is able to work defenders often leaves one almost feeling bad for defenders, as the receiver is able to break in and out of routes before they are even able to react, creating constant separation.

What is even perhaps wilder is the production he created even with a dominant receiver opposite of him. There were many times when I was watching tape on Olave that Wilson was streaking down the field wide open and simply was not seen, creating a sort of category of unmarked production.

While yes, taking a wide receiver may be a luxury pick that Carolina can hardly afford, Wilson would fit a grade and a need. Placing him opposite Moore would create quite the problem for NFL defenses and could give quite the boost for new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo.

Could Carolina buck the national narrative and take this smooth playmaker at No. 6 as a weapon for a new quarterback? Only time will tell.