Draft Study Guide: Panthers Mock 4.0

Just over three weeks until the draft, and I am getting giddy. If you have noticed that I change all of my picks each week, it is because I want to offer a variety of different perspectives as to who the Panthers might take. I am not saying one draft is absolutely more likely to happen than the last. Enjoy!

Round 1, Pick 25: OT D.J. Humphries, University of Florida

Humphries has arguably the highest potential of any offensive lineman prospect in the 2015 draft, boasting the upside of a franchise left tackle. Hailing from Mallard Creek High School, bringing home the Florida standout would be a move to ensure Cam Newton has his blindside protected for the rest of his career. He has good height and arm length, but his weight is a bit of a concern, especially for the power running game the Panthers utilize. Humphries is a superb athlete and demonstrated that athleticism in his matchup with Mizzou's Shane Ray. Humphries can be coached up on improving his hand placement and perhaps even being a knee-bender rather than a hip-bender to become an amazing left tackle for Carolina.

Round 2, Pick 57: DE Preston Smith, Mississippi State University

Yes, I realize that Dave Gettleman selected DE Kony Ealy in the second round last year, and I have high hopes for him. However, I doubt that he would hesitate to add another hog molly like Smith at this point of the draft. Smith has outstanding size and the ability to play the edge or shift inside. He is better rushing the passer from the interior but is an asset against the run when setting the edge. A rotation of Smith and Ealy opposite of Charles Johnson would make the Panthers defensive line that much more potent.

Round 3, Pick 89: CB D'Joun Smith, Florida Atlantic University

Smith played against lesser competition in Conference USA, but he has the athleticism and competitiveness to thrive in Carolina much like current starter Josh Norman. With a 4.45 40 at the combine, Smith answered questions about his speed on deeper routes. He also has above average ball skills and could develop into a ball hawk in a Panthers defense that focuses on rushing four and dropping seven to blanket receivers.  The Panthers have shown they are not afraid to select cornerbacks that did not face great competition, why not see if lightning strikes twice?

Round 4, Pick 124: WR Kenny Bell, University of Nebraska

Introducing my new favorite for "undervalued receiver that would fit the Panthers needs perfectly," 2014 First-team All-Big Ten receiver Kenny Bell. At 6'1" and having run three 40s between 4.38 and 4.42 seconds, Bell possesses the size and athleticism to succeed opposite of Kelvin Benjamin. He can easily compete for contested balls and steps up with such opportunities. In the highlight video here, you can see Bell's second gear as he runs away in the open field. His route running can use some work - nothing Ricky Proehl cannot help remedy. 

Round 5, Pick 161: FS Adrian Amos, Penn State University

There have been talks that Tre' Boston might benefit from shifting into the strong safety role; selecting Amos as a developmental FS prospect here in the fifth round would allow such a shift to occur. Amos has great speed and above average coverage skills, but he is lacking in run support ability. After playing in 49 games with 37 starts in his four years at Penn State, Amos has demonstrated excellent zone coverage as well as the ability to shift down to the slot, offering unique package possibilities early on in his career. Amos would be a selection for 2016 or perhaps even 2017 and beyond, but one with potential to be a plus starter at FS.

Round 5, Pick 169: RB Cameron Artis-Payne, Auburn Univeristy

Not a game breaker by any means, Artis-Payne's key traits are his patience and toughness. He will likely never be more than a solid rotational back, but Artis-Payne should at the very least be good for ~10 carries a game that can help move drives along. He played just one year above junior college but racked up 1,600 yards in his lone year at Auburn. Running back is a funky position; you never know who might end up being a gem.

Round 5, Pick 174: OLB Alani Fua, Brigham Young University

Here is a name you probably were not expecting to read. Fua is 6'5" and 238 pounds and ran a 4.59 40 at his Pro Day. He does a lot of stuff alright but does not stand out at any one trait. Fua's best skill may be his ability in pass coverage, and he could develop into a sort of tight end counter. Some may cast him as a 3-4 OLB, but the Panthers run a strange base formation anyways. A weapon like Fua could only serve to make the defense more flexible and dynamic. 

Round 6, Pick 200: DT Darius Philon, University of Arkansas

At this point in the draft, I am all about swinging for the fences. Philon is exactly that: a surprise declaration from this underclassman could mean big things for a patient team. Having played just one year at Arkansas, Philon is still very raw and needs to add strength and size to his frame to become effective against the run. However, Philon possesses outstanding explosion off the snap and flashes serious upside as a 3-technique DT that can disrupt the pocket on passing downs.

Round 7, Pick 242: WR George Farmer, University of Southern California

Farmer blew his knee out and missed the 2013 season, but he still has excellent hands and the attitude to catch contested passes over the middle. Farmer's major weakness last season was his lack of explosiveness, but a 4.35 second 40 yard dash at USC's pro day suggests Farmer might have more in the tank as he becomes comfortable with his knee post surgery. Even with the selection of Bell earlier in the draft, the I doubt many Panthers fans would complain about more competition at the receiver position, especially when some speed might be injected.

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