Carolina Panthers 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft: Taking chances early

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(Sarah Phipps/The Oklahoman via IMAGN Content Services) Marvin Mims /

Carolina Panthers select Marvin Mims

Wide Receiver | Oklahoma Sooners

Despite trading Robbie Anderson mid-season, the Carolina Panthers ended up having a very capable starting trio of wide receivers. D.J. Moore, Terrace Marshall Jr., and Laviska Sheanult Jr. have all proved to be valuable assets in their respective roles. However, the team is in need of a playmaker in the slot.

Shi Smith did not live up to preseason expectations after a strong training camp. He struggled to produce in the slot as he suffered with drops and inconsistency throughout the campaign. If Carolina wants to surround their rookie quarterback with plenty of talent, they must address this specific role.

Oklahoma’s Marvin Mims Jr. would be a perfect fit. He was very productive for the Sooners in 2022, averaging more than 20 yards per catch on less than 60 receptions. While he may not have the size and wingspan you would look for in a potential No. 2 receiver, the player would do a good job working as the team’s starting slot early in his career.

Mims does well when it comes to working down the field vertically and offers great ball skills that allow him to track and adjust on the fly. The junior will have questions arise about his ability to play through the contact window during his routes, but he offers the skill set, twitchiness, and explosiveness to be an NFL playmaker.

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