Athletic mock projects NC State tackle to Panthers

[Mr. Scot]

This one comes from Athletic draft analyst Nate Tice.

NFL mock draft: Panthers pass on QB, surprise Packers picks, early run on receivers

The top picks are...

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker, Edge, Georgia
2. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan
3. Houston Texans: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
4. New York Jets: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon
5. New York Giants: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

Comments on the Panthers pick...

6. Carolina Panthers: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State

There is certainly a lot of smoke with the Panthers taking a QB here, and justifiably so. They have backed themselves into a corner in trying to find an upgrade over Sam Darnold, and they might tab Malik Willis or Kenny Pickett as the QB to build around. (Or they could make a move for Baker Mayfield). But upgrading the offensive line is just as important of a need in Carolina. What they trotted out in 2021 was horrific as the movie “Morbius.” Ekwonu is as athletic as they come and a tough, physical finisher who will set the tone for the line. He still has plenty of technique to clean up, but he has the ability and potential to be a dynamic lineman with more than enough ability to stay at tackle. In a worst-case scenario, he bumps inside to guard.

Tice adds this regarding pick 5...

...look for a potential trade up for a quarterback here, as a team could want to get in front of the Panthers.

[NJPanthers12]

Would actually be happy. Ikem, Neal, Cross, or trade back. Don’t want Willis, but wouldn’t be devastated if they take him at 6. Anything else would be an unmitigated disaster.

[Jackie Lee]

I do think if theres a trade up it's going to be to get in front of us, leaving us potentially stuck at 6 with no day two picks. 

[thefuzz]

QB or DE and I'll just turn the TV off.

[MHS831]

I think this would be the best pick for us if we stay at #6.

I do not think he will be there, but I am hoping a CB, S, or WR goes before us--that guarantees us a OT or an Edge.

[rayzor]

would not hate. at all.

[Waldo]

I just hope if we go LT, it's a home run. Whoever. Healthy and ready to learn on the job.

[rippadonn]

Seems like the aim is to always screw the Panthers?!

I hope two teams are stupid enough to draft Pickett and Willis top five.

Save us from ourselves.

Package picks/players to move back into early second round and at least get a QB with an NFL body like Strong or Ridder at least.

 

[Wolfcop]

Ikey or Willis are my favorites. 

[cookinbrak]

Icky and BC in the same side would set us up for years.

[CBDellinger]

Thats a dream scenario.  Hes a solution at LT for the next 10-15 years.

Edited April 21, 2022 by CBDellinger

[thefuzz]

4 minutes ago, CBDellinger said:

Thats a dram scenario.  Hes a solution at LT for the next 10-15 years.

Agreed.

Which means he's going 1 pick in front of us...like the last two drafts.

[Riverboat Ron]

27 minutes ago, rippadonn said:

Seems like the aim is to always screw the Panthers?!

I hope two teams are stupid enough to draft Pickett and Willis top five.

Save us from ourselves.

Package picks/players to move back into early second round and at least get a QB with an NFL body like Strong or Ridder at least.

 

It’s because we are really bad at broadcasting our target players. We always have gaping holes that make guessing our targets pretty easy, but we have a lot of leaks from the front office.

[Mr. Scot]

3 minutes ago, thefuzz said:

Agreed.

Which means he's going 1 pick in front of us...like the last two drafts.

To be fair, if it played out that way within this mock scenario, we'd still get Charles Cross.

(unless we took a quarterback instead)

Edited April 21, 2022 by Mr. Scot