Four Carolina Panthers Round Two Prospects

[Jeremy Igo]

Yesterday I laid out for you four Carolina Panthers first round prospects, one of which will be chosen. Today I give you four prospects for round two. 

But....

There is a possibility Dave Gettleman trades up in the second to grab a guy like Hunter Henry or Derrick Henry, as both are first round talents. We saw him do this exact thing last year with Devin Funchess. Gettleman knows how difficult it will be for rookies to even make this team. Therefore, trade up, have fewer but higher quality rookies. 

Many other teams need 7 draft picks to build their teams. At the moment, the Panthers do not. The chance that Gettleman is forced to cut a current year draft pick this season is high. 

That said.... here are four guys I like for the Carolina Panthers in round two...

 

Sterling Shepard

Wide Receiver - Oklahoma

5'10 194lbs

In a perfect world, Shepard is there for the Panthers to select without the need to trade up. I doubt that happens, but Shepard could last until the mid second round and lessen the cost of moving up to get him. 

Shepard represents the final piece of what the Panthers passing offense has needed, namely a shifty sure handed slot receiver. The combination of Benjamin, Funchess, and Shepard would suddenly give the Panthers one of the better starting WR corps in the division. Amazing, considering where they were two years ago. 

 

Von Bell 

Strong Safety - Ohio State

5-11 199

Another position that a second round rookie can step in and make an immediate impact is at strong safety. With the departure of Roman Harper, Tre Boston is the starter and depth after him is lacking. Bell's experience at Ohio State and playing in big games has prepared him to play immediately in the NFL. 

Bell would immediately compete for that starting position. Bell also has the ability to move to nickel, which has to be enticing to Ron Rivera. 

Bell is stronger in run support than coverage, but is no slouch either when covering the deep ball. Think of him as a faster Roman Harper. 

 

Su'a Cravens

Linebacker/Safety USC

6'1 226lbs

Some folks have Cravens as a first rounder, but I don't see it. Guys that don't fit perfectly into a NFL mold rarely are a first round pick. These tweeners are a higher risk. Some will point to Shaq Thompson last season, but Thompson fit the linebacker mold much more clearly than Cravens does. 

That said, Cravens would be a good value in the second round. The Panthers would likely plug him in at strong safety where he would play on running downs. 

Bonus: Cravens would instantly bolster the Panthers special teams unit, we all know how much Gettleman would love that. 

 

Germain Ifedi 

Offensive Tackle / Guard - Texas A&M

6'6 324

No, Ifedi probably won't be there at pick 62. But, again, I see Gettleman moving up in the second round again this season. There is a significant drop off in talent at around the mid second round mark. If Gettleman wants two rookies that are locks to make this team and contribute, he will need to move up in the second. 

Ifedi would add depth at right tackle for the Panthers, and could also fill in as a backup guard. But what about left tackle you ask? I predict Daryl Williams, already on the Panthers roster, to be the eventual replacement for Michael Oher. 

 

 

There you have it, four guys I like in round two... some coming at a higher cost. 

 

 

 

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[Byrdman4real]

I believe your very right. I wouldn't have a problem with none of the players. Would be extremely happy with Sterling Shepard 

[Catufb85]

I agree that all four of those guys are very unlikely to be there at 62.  With those guys being the ones we are after in round 2 a trade up is almost a must.  

[CarolinaJami']

The more I think and read the moving up in the 2nd seems almost like a definite. Like those choices in the 2nd. What a great feeling knowing that no matter what we will get a quality player for the team.

[Toker Smurf]

I get too excited to even think about KB, Funch, Shepherd, Olsen and H Henry all on the field at the same time.

[stirs]

I would not see us moving up for any of these guys

Ifedi at 62 is plausable as is Shepard as is an incredible DT that drops to us in the second.

[SOJA]

if we get Bell, Cravens, or Shepard in the second I will be ecstatic 

I definitely agree that we will try move up in the second 

Edited April 20, 2016 by SOJA

[Dunn]

If Getty goes higher in the 2nd round, you wonder how much higher.  Would try to get with the Browns as they seem to be the trade happy team this year?  Give up 2 rounds of current year picks possibly?

[CWORS]

I can see DG moving up for Sheppard or Ogbah in the second.

[juliosantos]

ideal first and 2nd round combo . derek henry and sterling shepard 

[Saca312]

I really want Sterling Shepard in the second. I think he'll become our Smitty 2.0. He runs routes at a pro level, something our team desperately needs, and he plays like Smitty. He's gonna be worth it in the long run if we get him. Make it happen Gman!

 

[JawnyBlaze]

I'd be ecstatic about Shephard in the 2nd, whether we'd have to trade up for him or not.  The other 3 I'd be ok with, but wouldn't want to trade up for.

[Jeremy Igo]

3 hours ago, Promethean Forerunner said:

Round 1: Cravens

Round 2: Shepard

Make it happen G-Man!

I know you like Cravens, but there is literally 0% chance he is the first pick. Don't get your hopes up.

[polkcounty]

Go cats