NFL Draft Second Chance Options

[Catufb85]

With the draft just two days away, the media and all social outlets are exploding with rumors, sources, predictions, mocks, etc.

We all know there is only 32 picks in the 1st round, and the conscious is there top 15 prospect will be gone by the time the Panthers pick at #8.  Lets take a look at some comparable options if we do miss on some of the favorites in the early rounds.

Leonard Fournette:  I want this guy bad. Probably more than any player in the draft.  However, I've pretty much come to peace that he won't be there at #8 unless some miraculous move is made and we trade up to get him.  With that scenario being very unlikely, my second change running backs who I think could get the job done or at least bring be "similar" to Fournette's style;

Samaje Perine: 5'11 233 40: 4.65 Bench: 30 Vert: 33" 2016 Stats: 192 1,060 yards 12 touchdowns. Perine has done nothing but produce since stepping front at Oklahoma. Freshmen sensation with 263 carries 1,713 yards and 21 touchdowns. Joe Mixon may be the hyped name coming from Oklahoma this year, but Perine's produce can't go unnoticed. Hard runner and NFL scout compared him to Michael Turner which would fit our scheme I think as well as Fournette.

Kareem Hunt: 5'10 216 40: 4.50 Bench: 18 Vert: 36.5" 2016 Stats: 262 carries 1,475 yards & 10 TDs. Finished 2016 3rd in the nation with average 163.5 yards per game. Catching 41 balls out of the backfield for 403 yards & a TD.  Again, another 3-4 year starter with roughly averaging 1,100 yards per season and double digit touchdowns.

Brian Hill: 6'1 219 40: 4.54 Bench: 15 Vert: 34" 2016 Stats: 349 carries 1,860 yards & 22 TDs.  "His experience in a running scheme that featured gap, power and zone plays should help him acclimate quickly into an NFL running game as he competes to eventually become a committee running back with some value as a third-down pass protector. " Is what a scout expressed about Hill.  If you watch film on him you will see just a blue collar productive running back.

OJ Howard: Quoted the "best tight end prospect to come out in 10 years" by Bucky Brooks from NFL.com.  OJ is now labeled at top 10 lock and I would agree.  OJ is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.  He's a mismatch underneath for LBs with his agility and speed.  Line him up outside vs Safety or Corner and theres a mismatch with size and strength. Comparable options:

Bucky Hodges: 6'6 257 40: 4.57 Bench: 18 Vert: 39.0"  (fastest 40 and best Vert for TE) 2016: 48 rec 91 yards & 7 TDs. Hodges speed and athleticism jumps off the page at you.  Hodges will need to continue to learn the TE position and get better and stronger in the trenches in pass pro.  Another mismatch nightmare for opposing skill players.

Michael Roberts (Toledo): 6'4 270 40: 4.86 Vert: 30.0" 2016: 45 rec 533 yards and 16 TDs (twice as many as 2nd TE and ranked 6th nationally for overall receivers) Don't let the 4.86 40 fool you Roberts is still a very good receiving TE just check the numbers. At 270 has enough beef and muscle to be a good 2nd TE on the line for 2 TE sets for blocking.

Jonnu Smith (FIU) 6'3 248 40: 4.62 Bench: 22 Vert: 38.0 2016 Stats: 42 recs 506 yards an 4 TDs but missed several games after girlfriend threw boiling water on him (may need to investigate that) but overall productive TE that NFL.com is comparing to Delanie Walker.

Jamal Adams: The Top Safety prospect in the NFL Draft and is most likely at top 5 selection.  Very little chances falls to #8 for the Panthers so lets take a look at some late round comparable players Panthers could target.

John Johnson (BC) 6'0 208 40: 4.61 Bench: 14 reps Vert: 37.0" 2016 Stats: 77 tackles 2.5 for loss 9 PBUs and 3 INTs.  Experience at both safety and corner and looks comfortable high in coverage or low in the box.  Considered a special teams monster with 30 tackles over last 3 years.  Scouts rave about his "tackle-ready base" squaring up for ball carriers.  Considered a 4-6th round prospect.

Reyshawn Jenkins (Miami) 6'1 214 40: 4.51 Bench: 19 reps Vert: 37.0" 2016 Stats: 76 tackles, 4.5 for loss, 2 INT, and 7 PBUs.  "good size, long arms and an aggressive field demeanor."  He fits the Miami prototypical big, fast, and strong safety mold that comes out of Miami year after year.  Needs works on instincts and attacking the ball in the air before a good size athlete for backup and special teams.

Xavier Woods (LTU) 5'11 197 40: 4.54 Bench: 19 Vert: 33.5" 2016 Stats: 89 tackles, 6.5 for loss, 5 INTs, & 6 PBUs.  Great ball skills and willingness to come down into the box to fill running lanes. "Can bring the wood as a hitter" one scout said. Hard nose competitor. 

Soloman Thomas: Expected to be the 2nd edge rusher taken as high as #2 pick in the draft after Myles Garrett. 

DeMarcus Walker: 6'4 280 only Combine stat is Bench: 18 reps. Pro Day stats: unofficial 4.76 40, 20 reps on bench. 2016 Stats: 68 tackles, 16 sacks, 21.5 for loss, and 3 forced fumbles.  Projected a Draft Day 2 pick.  Very productive DE while at FSU but some project to lose a little weight and convert to 3-4 outside pass rushing LB.

Daeshon Hall (A&M) 6'5 266 40: 4.76 Bench: 18 reps Vert: 36.0" 2016 Stats: 50 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.  Overshadowed by Myles Garrett the potential #1 overall pick in the draft.  Hall's athleticism can't go unnoticed. Made the switch form OLB to hand in the dirt.  Teams will love him athleticism and agility.  Could be available between rounds 3 and 5.