It has been a week since I last released a mock draft and there have been a few pro days and the announcement of compensation picks during that time. Here is a new look at how the Panthers could be drafting in a little over a month.
Round 1, Pick 25: WR Breshad Perriman, University of Central Florida
Yes, I had him projected to the Panthers in the third round last week. But a sub-4.3 40, even if hand-timed, can do crazy things for a big receiver. Just look at the scouts reacting to the times they all have. So, this has led me to hope that the Panthers will draft a big bodied wide receiver from a school in Florida for the second straight year. Perriman possesses the aforementioned speed, to compliment a rock-solid 6'2", 212 pound frame that could make him a dynamic receiver on the outside. Riddle me this: if you have Kelvin Benjamin on one side, Breshad Perriman on the other, and Greg Olsen running up the seam, how do you stop Ted Ginn Jr. over the top or Cam taking off for a 34 yard scramble? You do not.
Another aspect of this selection is doubt about what tackle prospects could be available here. If DJ Humphries or Andrus Peatis available, I think the Panthers would pull the trigger there. However, I do not think that La'el Collins, Ereck Flowers, or TJ Clemmings can start on the left side from day one, which should be the expectation if we do take a tackle here. There are plenty of right tackles to be taken later in the draft. This mock anticipates four offensive lineman going before the Panthers select (Scherff, Humphries, Peat, and Fisher).
Round 2, Pick 57: OT Ereck Flowers, University of Miami (FL)
I know, I know - I said that right tackles can be found later in the draft, but right tackles who could transition to the left side after a year or two of NFL seasoning are worth second round picks. Flowers is a mauler first and foremost, which is why he can start from day one on the right side. His pass protection is a work in progress, however. His footwork can be sloppy and his hands do not carry the same power he displays in the run game. Michael Oher has been declared the de facto starting LT for 2015, and the Panthers have historically stuck with their declared LT (looking at you, Byron Bell), regardless of fan response or perceived ability. Flowers would be the BPA here and fits an important need down the line.
Round 3, Pick 89: DT Grady Jarrett, Clemson University
Offensive linemen do not look forward to seeing Grady Jarrett line up across from them. He has great off-the-snap quickness and combines it with good awareness and timing to explode at the snap and disrupt plays in the backfield. He is not a huge man, but he could instantly be the second best run-stopping defensive lineman for the Panthers. Putting Jarrett and Star side-by-side on rushing downs could force opposing teams to try running outside ("Go get 'em, Luke and TD!"). Keeping Jarrett in the Carolinas will be beneficial for both sides.
Round 4, Pick 124: DB Eric Rowe, University of Utah
I highlighted Rowe a couple days ago as a possible Day Three target, and here he shows up, as the Panthers's first selection on Day Three. His interception numbers are lacking (3), but Rowe has broken up 34 total passes. Rowe only has one year of experience at cornerback after playing at safety, he could potentially start at either role in the NFL. Rowe has the size and potential to become an upper-echelon CB capable of defending the big-bodied receivers that the NFL is falling in love with.
Round 5, Pick 161: RB Mike Davis, University of South Carolina
Davis disappointed last year; he looked out of shape and played with a degree of nonchalance that has plagued recent South Carolina prospects (Jadaveon Clowney and Alshon Jeffrey come to mind). However, his 2013 season was impressive, and if motivated he could be a legitimate starting running back in the NFL. He could certainly spell Jonathan Stewart from the get go and develop into the lead back as Stewart's contract comes to an end.
Round 5, Pick 169: OT Jarmon Brown, University of Louisville
Brown is a big, big man and could develop into an asset on the right side of the offensive line given his quickness and frame. He struggled in pass protection in college, but his issues are with technique and could be coached up. The Panthers can certainly use depth along the offensive line, and Brown's floor is as a backup interior lineman. GM Dave Gettleman is loving these compensatory picks.
Round 5, Pick 174: OLB Jake Ryan, University of Michigan
Ryan has a similar physical profile to A.J. Klein with perhaps a bit more straight-line speed, but whereas Klein is heady and instinctual, Ryan's play style focuses on his competitiveness, effort, and physicality. Ryan would provide immediate depth both inside and outside at the linebacker position, as well as contributing on special teams. These extra picks have given the Panthers the luxury of drafting for reliable depth with decent starting potential, moves that can complete a roster cheaply.
Round 6, Pick 200: CB Garry Peters, Clemson University
How does a cornerback that has not allowed a touchdown in almost two years sound? Peters was First-Team All-ACC this year as a fifth-year senior. He will turn 24 during the season but has the physicality and bump-and-run mentality to contribute quickly in the right scheme. I think the Panthers play just the kind of scheme to benefit Peters, as they generate their pass rush via the front four and timely blitzes, meaning there is often deep coverage to help over the top. Peters ran in the same range as Josh Norman and could develop into a similar level player with patience.
Round 7, Pick 242: WR Mario Alford, West Virginia University
You want speed? Here you go! Alford ran a blistering 40 at his pro day that was hand-timed in the 4.3-range. He is small but could become an offensive weapon rather than a position-specific player. Panthers fans will doubt that Offensive Coordinator Mike Shula will know what to do with such a weapon, but I have faith in the Panthers organization that they would not let talent go to waste. Alford is also a weapon on special teams with home run capabilities. He has even been compared to T.Y. Hilton - one can only dream.
There you have it. Two wide receivers, two offensive linemen, two defensive backs, a defensive lineman, a linebacker, and a running back. A (what I believe to be) balanced draft focusing on players with modest ceilings but solid floors, but with a couple of possible hidden gems mixed in to ruffle the feathers a bit. What do you think?
Round 1, Pick 25: WR Breshad Perriman, University of Central Florida
That look after you've just clocked a 4.22 40... pic.twitter.com/UaZmXWkW9M
— Eric DeSalvo (@EricDeSalvo) March 25, 2015
Yes, I had him projected to the Panthers in the third round last week. But a sub-4.3 40, even if hand-timed, can do crazy things for a big receiver. Just look at the scouts reacting to the times they all have. So, this has led me to hope that the Panthers will draft a big bodied wide receiver from a school in Florida for the second straight year. Perriman possesses the aforementioned speed, to compliment a rock-solid 6'2", 212 pound frame that could make him a dynamic receiver on the outside. Riddle me this: if you have Kelvin Benjamin on one side, Breshad Perriman on the other, and Greg Olsen running up the seam, how do you stop Ted Ginn Jr. over the top or Cam taking off for a 34 yard scramble? You do not.
Another aspect of this selection is doubt about what tackle prospects could be available here. If DJ Humphries or Andrus Peatis available, I think the Panthers would pull the trigger there. However, I do not think that La'el Collins, Ereck Flowers, or TJ Clemmings can start on the left side from day one, which should be the expectation if we do take a tackle here. There are plenty of right tackles to be taken later in the draft. This mock anticipates four offensive lineman going before the Panthers select (Scherff, Humphries, Peat, and Fisher).
Round 2, Pick 57: OT Ereck Flowers, University of Miami (FL)
I know, I know - I said that right tackles can be found later in the draft, but right tackles who could transition to the left side after a year or two of NFL seasoning are worth second round picks. Flowers is a mauler first and foremost, which is why he can start from day one on the right side. His pass protection is a work in progress, however. His footwork can be sloppy and his hands do not carry the same power he displays in the run game. Michael Oher has been declared the de facto starting LT for 2015, and the Panthers have historically stuck with their declared LT (looking at you, Byron Bell), regardless of fan response or perceived ability. Flowers would be the BPA here and fits an important need down the line.
Round 3, Pick 89: DT Grady Jarrett, Clemson University
Round 4, Pick 124: DB Eric Rowe, University of Utah
I highlighted Rowe a couple days ago as a possible Day Three target, and here he shows up, as the Panthers's first selection on Day Three. His interception numbers are lacking (3), but Rowe has broken up 34 total passes. Rowe only has one year of experience at cornerback after playing at safety, he could potentially start at either role in the NFL. Rowe has the size and potential to become an upper-echelon CB capable of defending the big-bodied receivers that the NFL is falling in love with.
Round 5, Pick 161: RB Mike Davis, University of South Carolina
Davis disappointed last year; he looked out of shape and played with a degree of nonchalance that has plagued recent South Carolina prospects (Jadaveon Clowney and Alshon Jeffrey come to mind). However, his 2013 season was impressive, and if motivated he could be a legitimate starting running back in the NFL. He could certainly spell Jonathan Stewart from the get go and develop into the lead back as Stewart's contract comes to an end.
Round 5, Pick 169: OT Jarmon Brown, University of Louisville
Brown is a big, big man and could develop into an asset on the right side of the offensive line given his quickness and frame. He struggled in pass protection in college, but his issues are with technique and could be coached up. The Panthers can certainly use depth along the offensive line, and Brown's floor is as a backup interior lineman. GM Dave Gettleman is loving these compensatory picks.
Round 5, Pick 174: OLB Jake Ryan, University of Michigan
Ryan has a similar physical profile to A.J. Klein with perhaps a bit more straight-line speed, but whereas Klein is heady and instinctual, Ryan's play style focuses on his competitiveness, effort, and physicality. Ryan would provide immediate depth both inside and outside at the linebacker position, as well as contributing on special teams. These extra picks have given the Panthers the luxury of drafting for reliable depth with decent starting potential, moves that can complete a roster cheaply.
Round 6, Pick 200: CB Garry Peters, Clemson University
How does a cornerback that has not allowed a touchdown in almost two years sound? Peters was First-Team All-ACC this year as a fifth-year senior. He will turn 24 during the season but has the physicality and bump-and-run mentality to contribute quickly in the right scheme. I think the Panthers play just the kind of scheme to benefit Peters, as they generate their pass rush via the front four and timely blitzes, meaning there is often deep coverage to help over the top. Peters ran in the same range as Josh Norman and could develop into a similar level player with patience.
Round 7, Pick 242: WR Mario Alford, West Virginia University
You want speed? Here you go! Alford ran a blistering 40 at his pro day that was hand-timed in the 4.3-range. He is small but could become an offensive weapon rather than a position-specific player. Panthers fans will doubt that Offensive Coordinator Mike Shula will know what to do with such a weapon, but I have faith in the Panthers organization that they would not let talent go to waste. Alford is also a weapon on special teams with home run capabilities. He has even been compared to T.Y. Hilton - one can only dream.
There you have it. Two wide receivers, two offensive linemen, two defensive backs, a defensive lineman, a linebacker, and a running back. A (what I believe to be) balanced draft focusing on players with modest ceilings but solid floors, but with a couple of possible hidden gems mixed in to ruffle the feathers a bit. What do you think?
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Homework - You grade me!
Let me know in the comment section how I did.
