I am stepping in, guys! This mock draft is what I would do if I truly was the GM of the Carolina Panthers. The picks I make are not projections of what Dave Gettleman actually will do this time around, but with the draft less than five days away, I wanted to say how I really feel about the 2015 NFL Draft.
Round 1, Pick 25: WR Breshad Perriman, University of Central Florida
I think it is probably well-established at this point that I want Perriman for the Panthers. While I am hesitant to take him this early given how rough he is around the edges, I cannot pass up on the opportunity to add such a potentially dynamic pass-catcher to the wide receivers stables in Carolina. Perriman has game-breaking ability with his frame, speed, and catch radius. His route running and concentration must improve for him to become a star in the NFL, but as a third target after Kelvin Benjamin and Greg Olsen, Perriman will have time to mature and blossom under the tutelage of Ricky Proehl. I think that Perriman is not overly dissimilar to fellow UCF alumnus Brandon Marshall, who needed a year of seasoning in the NFL before exploding onto the scene in 2007. I do not think Perriman will ever receive the targets that Marshall has (averaging almost 158 receptions per season outside of his rookie year), but he has similar play making ability and will be an asset to the Panthers franchise.
Round 2, Pick 57: CB Eric Rowe, University of Utah
Rowe is another guy I was high on drafting later on before his combine numbers encouraged mainstream analysts to pay more attention to his tape and potential, which pushed him up public mocks into Day One territory. Rowe's length, athleticism and versatility make him valuable at this point of the draft, though I would prefer him in Round 3 since he has just one year of starter experience at cornerback. However, with talks that Tre' Boston may be moving to strong safety, Rowe is not locked in to developing as a cornerback. The Panthers can bring him into training camp and use him as a moveable piece, particularly in obvious passing downs where Boston can shift to strong safety and Roman Harper can go off the field. I do see him as a long-term fit at cornerback in the Panthers system because Carolina does not rely on leaving its cornerbacks on man-to-man islands, which helps make him worth the second round selection.
Round 3, Pick 89: LT Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M University
Considered the top tackle option and a likely top five pick coming into the 2014 NCAA football season, Ogbuehi has seen his stock plummet due to inconsistent play and a torn ACL late in the season. The signing of Michael Oher and claiming of Jonathan Martin mean that the Panthers will not have to rush Ogbuehi along; this patience could allow him to realize his potential as a premier left tackle in the NFL. I think his floor is as an athletic right tackle who is an asset in both run- and pass-protection. Panthers fans might not be thrilled with such a tackle situation heading into 2015, but I have faith in the Panthers coaching staff that they can keep a healthier-than-ever Cam healthy this year.
Round 4, Pick 124: RB David Cobb, University of Minnesota
Cobb will not replace the dynamic outside run plays that DeAngelo Williams produced, but he is a strong, north-south runner who has the ability to develop into a strong starting running back. The Panthers like to use power runs and Cobb's leg drive (gained 54% of his 1,626 rushing yards after contact last season) and balance will make him an efficient runner in such a scheme. He demonstrates understanding of proper pass protection techniques and possesses the determination to grind for every yard available. Cobb is not a game-breaker, but his grittiness will make him a fan favorite.
Round 5, Pick 161: DE Za'Darious Smith, University of Kentucky
I mentioned Smith over a month ago as a potential Day Three target for the Panthers, and that is exactly where he shows up in this mock. Smith is a former basketball player but plays with more power than speed (even with a high 4.7 forty time) and could quickly be the best run-defending option across from Charles Johnson. A rotation of Smith and Ealy would reduce the need to rely on Wes Horton as well as the oft-suspended Frank Alexander. Smith also has the size to slide-inside if needed.
Round 5, Pick 169: LG Josue Matias, Florida State University
I selected Matias in the same slot in my Mock 3.0, and in each subsequent mock I have been tempted to re-slot him again and again. I feel that his talents would suit the Panthers well at left guard where none of Andrew Norwell, Amini Silatolu, or Edmund Kugbila can be seriously considered long-term fits on a team expecting to contend for the playoffs for the foreseeable future. Matias is a much-better pass protector than road grader thus far in his career, but I feel that would be beneficial for a Panthers team that should be primed to pass more than in the last few years with a fully recuperated Cam behind center. At this point in the draft, Matias would not be expected to usurp incumbent Andrew Norwell's starting spot immediately, but a healthy training camp competition along the offensive line could only prove to be positive, and if Matias becomes more of a run blocker, he could be special.
Round 5, Pick 174: WR Titus Davis, Central Michigan University
For the second straight mock, I select the former Chippewa wide out at pick 174. Davis would bring attributes to the Panthers that no other receiver (outside of Jerricho Cotchery) could boast: solid route running and outstanding foot quickness. Despite being 6'1" with a 4.5 forty, I think that Davis could be better out of the slot than on the outside, especially as a compliment to Benjamin, Olsen, and Perriman. Davis will do the dirty work underneath and on third down and understands how to sit down against zone defenses. Davis could learn a lot from veteran Jerricho Cotchery before settling in as the #3 wide receiver and fourth weapon in the passing game.
Round 6, Pick 200: OLB Alani Fua, Brigham Young University
Fua is an athlete first and foremost. At 6'5" and 240 pounds with a 4.6 forty, Fua actually played a lot of man coverage over slot receivers at BYU, and the Panthers start two linebackers who excel in pass coverage. While Jimmy Graham and Tony Gonzalez are no longer in the NFC South, Tampa Bay is developing Austin Sefarian-Jenkins, Marques Colston runs routes from the slot, and no one would be surprised if Atlanta or New Orleans draft a playmaking tight end in the upcoming draft. Fua could also become an asset in select blitz packages, as he rushed the passer from a variety of slots and positions along BYU's front. In the sixth round, I swing for the fences with a versatile defensive piece that enhances line backer depth and special teams talent.
Round 7, Pick 242: DB Cam Thomas, Western Kentucky University
There are still a lot of question marks in Carolina's defensive backfield. Josh Norman has only had a single year of being an above average starter, Tre' Boston and Bene' Benwikere were rookies last year, Roman Harper will be 33 by the end of the season, and Colin Jones and Kurt Coleman are the only backups that were drafted (in the 6th and 7th rounds respectively). While Melvin White and Robert Lester have been okay after being signed as undrafted free agents, I think that competition is desperately needed, even after drafting Rowe in the second round. Thomas is stout in run support and excels at reading routes and quarterbacks rather than as a man-to-man corner. His 11 career interceptions demonstrate his nose for the ball. I think Thomas could develop as a cornerback or a free safety with some added bulk, much like Rowe.
Round 1, Pick 25: WR Breshad Perriman, University of Central Florida
I think it is probably well-established at this point that I want Perriman for the Panthers. While I am hesitant to take him this early given how rough he is around the edges, I cannot pass up on the opportunity to add such a potentially dynamic pass-catcher to the wide receivers stables in Carolina. Perriman has game-breaking ability with his frame, speed, and catch radius. His route running and concentration must improve for him to become a star in the NFL, but as a third target after Kelvin Benjamin and Greg Olsen, Perriman will have time to mature and blossom under the tutelage of Ricky Proehl. I think that Perriman is not overly dissimilar to fellow UCF alumnus Brandon Marshall, who needed a year of seasoning in the NFL before exploding onto the scene in 2007. I do not think Perriman will ever receive the targets that Marshall has (averaging almost 158 receptions per season outside of his rookie year), but he has similar play making ability and will be an asset to the Panthers franchise.
Round 2, Pick 57: CB Eric Rowe, University of Utah
Rowe is another guy I was high on drafting later on before his combine numbers encouraged mainstream analysts to pay more attention to his tape and potential, which pushed him up public mocks into Day One territory. Rowe's length, athleticism and versatility make him valuable at this point of the draft, though I would prefer him in Round 3 since he has just one year of starter experience at cornerback. However, with talks that Tre' Boston may be moving to strong safety, Rowe is not locked in to developing as a cornerback. The Panthers can bring him into training camp and use him as a moveable piece, particularly in obvious passing downs where Boston can shift to strong safety and Roman Harper can go off the field. I do see him as a long-term fit at cornerback in the Panthers system because Carolina does not rely on leaving its cornerbacks on man-to-man islands, which helps make him worth the second round selection.
Round 3, Pick 89: LT Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M University
Round 4, Pick 124: RB David Cobb, University of Minnesota
Cobb will not replace the dynamic outside run plays that DeAngelo Williams produced, but he is a strong, north-south runner who has the ability to develop into a strong starting running back. The Panthers like to use power runs and Cobb's leg drive (gained 54% of his 1,626 rushing yards after contact last season) and balance will make him an efficient runner in such a scheme. He demonstrates understanding of proper pass protection techniques and possesses the determination to grind for every yard available. Cobb is not a game-breaker, but his grittiness will make him a fan favorite.
Round 5, Pick 161: DE Za'Darious Smith, University of Kentucky
I mentioned Smith over a month ago as a potential Day Three target for the Panthers, and that is exactly where he shows up in this mock. Smith is a former basketball player but plays with more power than speed (even with a high 4.7 forty time) and could quickly be the best run-defending option across from Charles Johnson. A rotation of Smith and Ealy would reduce the need to rely on Wes Horton as well as the oft-suspended Frank Alexander. Smith also has the size to slide-inside if needed.
Round 5, Pick 169: LG Josue Matias, Florida State University
I selected Matias in the same slot in my Mock 3.0, and in each subsequent mock I have been tempted to re-slot him again and again. I feel that his talents would suit the Panthers well at left guard where none of Andrew Norwell, Amini Silatolu, or Edmund Kugbila can be seriously considered long-term fits on a team expecting to contend for the playoffs for the foreseeable future. Matias is a much-better pass protector than road grader thus far in his career, but I feel that would be beneficial for a Panthers team that should be primed to pass more than in the last few years with a fully recuperated Cam behind center. At this point in the draft, Matias would not be expected to usurp incumbent Andrew Norwell's starting spot immediately, but a healthy training camp competition along the offensive line could only prove to be positive, and if Matias becomes more of a run blocker, he could be special.
Round 5, Pick 174: WR Titus Davis, Central Michigan University
For the second straight mock, I select the former Chippewa wide out at pick 174. Davis would bring attributes to the Panthers that no other receiver (outside of Jerricho Cotchery) could boast: solid route running and outstanding foot quickness. Despite being 6'1" with a 4.5 forty, I think that Davis could be better out of the slot than on the outside, especially as a compliment to Benjamin, Olsen, and Perriman. Davis will do the dirty work underneath and on third down and understands how to sit down against zone defenses. Davis could learn a lot from veteran Jerricho Cotchery before settling in as the #3 wide receiver and fourth weapon in the passing game.
Round 6, Pick 200: OLB Alani Fua, Brigham Young University
Fua is an athlete first and foremost. At 6'5" and 240 pounds with a 4.6 forty, Fua actually played a lot of man coverage over slot receivers at BYU, and the Panthers start two linebackers who excel in pass coverage. While Jimmy Graham and Tony Gonzalez are no longer in the NFC South, Tampa Bay is developing Austin Sefarian-Jenkins, Marques Colston runs routes from the slot, and no one would be surprised if Atlanta or New Orleans draft a playmaking tight end in the upcoming draft. Fua could also become an asset in select blitz packages, as he rushed the passer from a variety of slots and positions along BYU's front. In the sixth round, I swing for the fences with a versatile defensive piece that enhances line backer depth and special teams talent.
Round 7, Pick 242: DB Cam Thomas, Western Kentucky University
There are still a lot of question marks in Carolina's defensive backfield. Josh Norman has only had a single year of being an above average starter, Tre' Boston and Bene' Benwikere were rookies last year, Roman Harper will be 33 by the end of the season, and Colin Jones and Kurt Coleman are the only backups that were drafted (in the 6th and 7th rounds respectively). While Melvin White and Robert Lester have been okay after being signed as undrafted free agents, I think that competition is desperately needed, even after drafting Rowe in the second round. Thomas is stout in run support and excels at reading routes and quarterbacks rather than as a man-to-man corner. His 11 career interceptions demonstrate his nose for the ball. I think Thomas could develop as a cornerback or a free safety with some added bulk, much like Rowe.
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