This mock is all about Cam and his future in Carolina. The more I think about this offseason and the future of the Carolina Panthers, I keep coming back to the fact that Cam is not signed past next season. All we ever hear about contract negotiations is that the front office should get something done eventually. This coming season could end up being make-or-break for Cam's future in a Panthers uniform. With that in mind, this mock draft focuses on surrounding him with weapons and protecting him.
Round 1, Pick 25: OT Andrus Peat, Stanford University
Peat is the final of the three offensive tackle prospects I feel that project to be above average left tackles in the NFL that I have mocked to the Panthers, and he may be the most viable the more I watch his tape and read about him. The Stanford product is a massive man and should be an immediate asset in the power running game that the Panthers employ. With improved technique and consistency, he can also become an asset in the pass game. I think that Peat would start out on the right side opposite of Michael Oher but could push for the left tackle spot in his second season.
Round 2, Pick 57: RB Duke Johnson, University of Miami (FL)
You want speed? Here is some speed for you. Johnson is a lightning playmaker and a threat to make a big play every time he touches the ball. His slighter frame means he probably cannot carry the ball 20+ times per game in the NFL, but the Panthers started employing a running back committee before it became en vogue. Johnson can also offer some special teams value to make him an even more valuable asset. This former Hurricane would offer excitement for Panthers fans each time he steps on the field.
Round 3, Pick 89: CB Alex Carter, Stanford University
Carter has faced plenty of NFL caliber wide receivers in his three years in the PAC 12 and should be able to excel in zone coverage where he can keep plays in front of him in the NFL, given his below average long speed. Carter is strong in run support and at 6' and about 200 pounds, he has the size to play on the outside in the NFC South. The signing of Charles Tillman allows the Panthers to be more patient about defensive back help, but I think that Gettleman would pull the trigger for a player of Carter's caliber if he falls here.
Round 4, Pick 110*: DL Mario Edwards, Jr., Florida State University
Yes, I realize that the Panthers pick at 124, not 110 in the fourth round, but I am projecting the Panthers to trade up for a player they covet with Minnesota Vikings, a team known for draft day trades and amassing picks (*giving up picks 124 and 161 in exchange). In this case, that player is Mario Edwards, Jr. - a big hog molly that Gettleman would be keen to snatch at the right point in the draft. At 6'3" and 280 pounds, Edwards can be used as a run-stopping defensive end and shift inside on passing downs. He is not yet dynamic as a pass rusher and seems to go through the motions at times, but I think falling this far in the draft and coming into a locker room with the veteran presence that the Panthers possess will allow him to flourish.
Round 5, Pick 169: C Andy Gallik, Boston College
A center? Yes, a center. I am well aware the Panthers have one of the best centers in the NFL in Ryan Kalil. The four-time Pro Bowler is also 30 years old, and it could be time to at the very least get some solid injury insurance. Gallik could be relied on as a spot starter in case of injury immediately along the interior of the offensive line, but he should be focused on developing his pass protection skills as a center. Drafting Gallik would ensure that the Panthers are not in another "We'll stick with Byron Bell to replace Jordan Gross" scenario when Kalil eventually retires. Center - quarterback relationships are very important, so why not introduce Cam to Kalil's heir apparent earlier rather than later.
Round 5, Pick 174: WR Titus Davis, Central Michigan University
Do not run away from the lesser competition that Davis faced in college, Central Michigan is the same university that produced Antonio Brown. Knowing that, it makes Davis's career even more impressive as he finished his Chippewa career as the school's career leader in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Davis may be the best outside route runner in this draft not named Amari Cooper and could immediately step in and produce opposite of Kelvin Benjamin. He may not have the deep speed to stretch the top off of opposing defenses, but Davis will provide Cam with a consistent possession receiver to rely on, especially on third downs.
Round 6, Pick 200: WR DeAndre Carter, Sacramento State University
If ever there was an undersized prospect from a small school to bet on, it has to be DeAndre Carter. His younger brother passed away at the age of 17 in 2013, and Carter vowed that he would make it in the NFL to honor his brother's memory. His measurables have been compared to longtime Panther great Steve Smith Sr., and Carter certainly produced in the Big Sky Conference with 99 receptions for 1,321 yards and 17 touchdowns last season while playing mostly on the outside. At just 5'8" and 186 pounds, he will never overwhelm a cornerback with size, but he has quickness, speed, and sheer determination to get open and catch everything thrown his way. Carter is dynamic in a way that no other receiver on the Panthers roster is, and adding his effort and work ethic to the receiving corps would go a long ways to improving the overall talent level.
Round 7, Pick 242: DT Louis Trinca-Pasat
At 6'1" and just 290 pounds, Trinca-Pasat does not have the size to hold up as a full-time starter in the NFL. However, his effort and experience will make him a quality backup and rotational defensive tackle. Trinca-Pasat showed he could compliment talent well last year with his play next to fellow DT Carl Davis. While his physical attributes might limit his run-stopping abilities, Trinca-Pasat's relentlessness should not be overlooked as a valuable role player this late in the draft.
Round 1, Pick 25: OT Andrus Peat, Stanford University
Peat is the final of the three offensive tackle prospects I feel that project to be above average left tackles in the NFL that I have mocked to the Panthers, and he may be the most viable the more I watch his tape and read about him. The Stanford product is a massive man and should be an immediate asset in the power running game that the Panthers employ. With improved technique and consistency, he can also become an asset in the pass game. I think that Peat would start out on the right side opposite of Michael Oher but could push for the left tackle spot in his second season.
Round 2, Pick 57: RB Duke Johnson, University of Miami (FL)
You want speed? Here is some speed for you. Johnson is a lightning playmaker and a threat to make a big play every time he touches the ball. His slighter frame means he probably cannot carry the ball 20+ times per game in the NFL, but the Panthers started employing a running back committee before it became en vogue. Johnson can also offer some special teams value to make him an even more valuable asset. This former Hurricane would offer excitement for Panthers fans each time he steps on the field.
Round 3, Pick 89: CB Alex Carter, Stanford University
Round 4, Pick 110*: DL Mario Edwards, Jr., Florida State University
Yes, I realize that the Panthers pick at 124, not 110 in the fourth round, but I am projecting the Panthers to trade up for a player they covet with Minnesota Vikings, a team known for draft day trades and amassing picks (*giving up picks 124 and 161 in exchange). In this case, that player is Mario Edwards, Jr. - a big hog molly that Gettleman would be keen to snatch at the right point in the draft. At 6'3" and 280 pounds, Edwards can be used as a run-stopping defensive end and shift inside on passing downs. He is not yet dynamic as a pass rusher and seems to go through the motions at times, but I think falling this far in the draft and coming into a locker room with the veteran presence that the Panthers possess will allow him to flourish.
Round 5, Pick 169: C Andy Gallik, Boston College
A center? Yes, a center. I am well aware the Panthers have one of the best centers in the NFL in Ryan Kalil. The four-time Pro Bowler is also 30 years old, and it could be time to at the very least get some solid injury insurance. Gallik could be relied on as a spot starter in case of injury immediately along the interior of the offensive line, but he should be focused on developing his pass protection skills as a center. Drafting Gallik would ensure that the Panthers are not in another "We'll stick with Byron Bell to replace Jordan Gross" scenario when Kalil eventually retires. Center - quarterback relationships are very important, so why not introduce Cam to Kalil's heir apparent earlier rather than later.
Round 5, Pick 174: WR Titus Davis, Central Michigan University
Do not run away from the lesser competition that Davis faced in college, Central Michigan is the same university that produced Antonio Brown. Knowing that, it makes Davis's career even more impressive as he finished his Chippewa career as the school's career leader in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Davis may be the best outside route runner in this draft not named Amari Cooper and could immediately step in and produce opposite of Kelvin Benjamin. He may not have the deep speed to stretch the top off of opposing defenses, but Davis will provide Cam with a consistent possession receiver to rely on, especially on third downs.
Round 6, Pick 200: WR DeAndre Carter, Sacramento State University
If ever there was an undersized prospect from a small school to bet on, it has to be DeAndre Carter. His younger brother passed away at the age of 17 in 2013, and Carter vowed that he would make it in the NFL to honor his brother's memory. His measurables have been compared to longtime Panther great Steve Smith Sr., and Carter certainly produced in the Big Sky Conference with 99 receptions for 1,321 yards and 17 touchdowns last season while playing mostly on the outside. At just 5'8" and 186 pounds, he will never overwhelm a cornerback with size, but he has quickness, speed, and sheer determination to get open and catch everything thrown his way. Carter is dynamic in a way that no other receiver on the Panthers roster is, and adding his effort and work ethic to the receiving corps would go a long ways to improving the overall talent level.
Round 7, Pick 242: DT Louis Trinca-Pasat
At 6'1" and just 290 pounds, Trinca-Pasat does not have the size to hold up as a full-time starter in the NFL. However, his effort and experience will make him a quality backup and rotational defensive tackle. Trinca-Pasat showed he could compliment talent well last year with his play next to fellow DT Carl Davis. While his physical attributes might limit his run-stopping abilities, Trinca-Pasat's relentlessness should not be overlooked as a valuable role player this late in the draft.
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