The Draft Network's Justin Mello's Panthers 7-round mock draft special

[JawnyBlaze]

I dunno about a cb but otherwise I like it. Our cbs are probably our first or second strongest unit, with the ol. 

[bythenbrs]

3 hours ago, kungfoodude said:

Don't reach by being myopic. Remember the aftermath of the Josh Norman fiasco where Gettleman spammed CB picks that almost none of them worked out?

No disagreement with you on the evils of reaching.  Just seems fortuitous that our most glaring need aligns with the strength of this draft.  I would think that would improve the probability of getting potential starters in the first three rounds.  

But, yeah, Gettleman screwed the pooch with the Norman fiasco.

[kungfoodude]

5 minutes ago, bythenbrs said:

No disagreement with you on the evils of reaching.  Just seems fortuitous that our most glaring need aligns with the strength of this draft.  I would think that would improve the probability of getting potential starters in the first three rounds.  

But, yeah, Gettleman screwed the pooch with the Norman fiasco.

Right bit if you are dead set on DL, trading down is the way to go. The pool is deep through the second round. Why expend a top 10 pick on someone like Pearce when he might not be clearly ahead of guys in the mid first through mid second?

You stay at 8 if there is an elite prospect available. NEVER pass on a truly elite prospect to trade down to the "maybe elite" range. 

I don't know how it will all end up shaking out but I have unwavering faith in Dan Morgan and the FO that they will get it completely wrong, regardless of the decision.

[MHS831]

I see the logic--not crazy about the draft.  In my view, if you draft WR in round 1, it screws up the defensive needs we should address.

The only pick I really loved here is Jordan Phillips, DT, UM, at pick 110.  He is going to be a steal.

When Morgan says he wants some Dawgs, I see those as guys with high motors who might drop when comparing 40 times and stats, but you know they are going to make a roster and kick and scratch their ways onto the field.  Players that I have noticed who are like that (examples):

Restrepo, WR (slot) from Miami

Bech, WR from TCU (prolly a slot)

Bassa LB from Oregon'

Skattlebo RB from Arizona State

These are players who are going to be there on day 2 and 3--

 

Edited February 8 by MHS831

[MHS831]

The thing is, they do not know, we do not know.  The mocks may be different than what we would like, but until that player gets onto the field and into the system, we don't know--at least this mock is representative of our needs.

To me, the best part about this draft that I swore would be an issue in October--We are not talking about QB3.

[PNW_PantherMan]

Free agency starts before the draft, and we can most likely field a decent defense with a few signings and hitting on a couple draft picks.  The whole draft doesn't need to be defense.  We've done that before.  It didn't work.

[kungfoodude]

6 minutes ago, PNW_PantherMan said:

Free agency starts before the draft, and we can most likely field a decent defense with a few signings and hitting on a couple draft picks.  The whole draft doesn't need to be defense.  We've done that before.  It didn't work.

Ideally, free agency sets up the draft and not vice versa. 

As fans we also have to understand that we aren't likely to field a top 16 defense in 2025. This building effort will take some time, providing we make quality decisions the next couple of offseasons. 

There is also no reason to sell the farm in free agency to attempt to be a contender, only to mortgage the future. 

While I have zero faith in Morgan in the draft, he does have abilities to evaluate pro personnel. If we make some good moves in free agency, it's another step in the right direction, at least.

Edited February 8 by kungfoodude

[rebelrouser]

A big wr that has trouble creating seperation and will need a year to acclimate to the nfl at the expense of a historically bad d? That is not a good draft for us. At this point i'm really hopeing a third qb enters the top ten discussion.  That would be ideal for a trade back move. If we can't move i'm starting to really like the UGA lb.

[Lame Duck]

20 minutes ago, rebelrouser said:

A big wr that has trouble creating seperation and will need a year to acclimate to the nfl at the expense of a historically bad d? That is not a good draft for us. At this point i'm really hopeing a third qb enters the top ten discussion.  That would be ideal for a trade back move. If we can't move i'm starting to really like the UGA lb.

TMac will be a very successful WR in NFL.  He catches everything with his hands and crisp route runner.

[TD alt]

5 hours ago, rebelrouser said:

A big wr that has trouble creating seperation and will need a year to acclimate to the nfl at the expense of a historically bad d? That is not a good draft for us. At this point i'm really hopeing a third qb enters the top ten discussion.  That would be ideal for a trade back move. If we can't move i'm starting to really like the UGA lb.

"Trouble creating separation" is a bit much from what I've seen and have been reading.

[MHS831]

I think the draft has some talent at WR--just not at the top of it. 

[Aussie Tank]

10 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

I think the draft has some talent at WR--just not at the top of it. 

Great talent in the middle of the draft

[tukafan21]

1 hour ago, TD alt said:

"Trouble creating separation" is a bit much from what I've seen and have been reading.

Yup

There is no perfect prospect, a weakness doesn't mean he's bad at it, just that it could be better.  He’s not doing the things he did in college if he has trouble separating in the way people make it seem on here.

 People here are still too hung up on the contested catch statistic that popped up on here a few months ago and the other draft busts who were also on the list.  

They ignored that the next guys on the list would have been I think Chase and Jefferson, or that the reason for so many of the contested catches were due to double/triple teams and not inability to separate.  When you’re doubled on just about every snap, it’s hard to not have contested targets, he’s just good enough to still make the plays.

Edited February 9 by tukafan21

[BeenPounding]

1. (8) Not this big on TET.  If Graham is off the board I'm looking at trading back to the mid-teens to pick up another 2nd or VERY early 3rd. If I had to pick here, it would be James Pierce Jr. or Malaki Starks

2. (57) Kennard is a good pick here, but I would be looking to see if I could land Deonte Walker/ Ormar-Norman Lott/ Alfred Collins with this pick.  We need big guys on our D-line.

3. (74) This is my wildcard WR/TE/CB/S/DT/DE spot.  This is another pick I would be willing to trade back a little if what we really want doesn't fall our way.  Jaylin Noell, Gunner Nelson, or a second impact DT/DE would be good here.  I'd be looking at Ormar-Norman Lott or Jaylin Noell

4. (110) Begin offensive drafting now.... I want the best RB available at this time.  Ollie Gordon II - Let's put a pair of Cowboys in the backfield!!!  If he is gone give me Rocket Sanders from USC

5. (113) One more DT!!!  I love this kid out of Maryland!  Jordan Phillips

6. (141) Literally a prayer that Jaylin Noell is available here.  If not, I'm looking at Nick Nash Jr or Juice Wells.

7. (147) - Oluwafemi Oladejo -(LB/EDGE) Think he may have a little Luvu in him

8. (164) - This is the pick I normally earmarked for a developmental OL player.  I fully believe that we are going to resign both Corbet and Cade Mays.  Corbet can step into the BC role of the Ultimate swing OL piece.  With that being said, I think we look at FA/UDFA to build a depth piece this season at OL.  Looking at the depth of talent at the RB position I am tempted to grab Rocket Sanders, but I also know I can use my 7th or UDFA for a speed RB.  I held off and grabbed a nice developmental CB out of Iowa Jermari Harris 6'0 185lbs.  

9. (229) - Sai'vion Jones - 7th round, give me a 6'6 280 pound EDGE from a SEC Powerhouse to develop.

 

On 2/7/2025 at 4:00 PM, TheSpecialJuan said:

 

Round 1 (No. 8 overall): Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

The Panthers have Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker as young talents at receiver, but neither appears to have true WR1 upside. Adam Thielen should finally be on his last legs in 2025. Drafting Tetairoa McMillan would give Young a legit dominant boundary talent. McMillan pairs elite size and ball skills with short-area quickness.

Round 2 (No. 57 overall): Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina

Carolina's defense recorded a third-worst 32 sacks throughout 2024. Signing Jadaveon Clowney didn't work out. The Panthers desperately need pass-rushing talent on the edges. Kyle Kennard is explosive and pairs first-step quickness with a red-hot motor.

Round 3 (No. 74 overall): Mello Dotson, CB, Kansas

Ejiro Evero’s defense allowed nearly 225 passing yards per game. The cornerback room currently possesses more quantity than quality. Morgan needs to add some instant contributors. Kansas' Mello Dotson projects as such. Dotson was outstanding at the East-West Shrine Bowl, showcasing a competitive streak at the catch point.

Round 4 (No. 110 overall): Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland

An interior defensive lineman capable of playing next to Derrick Brown is required. The Panthers grossly missed Brown throughout 2024. Jordan Phillips would be a nice fit inside. Phillips is fresh off a dominant week in Frisco.

Round 4 (No. 113 overall): Caleb Ransaw, SAF, Tulane

Safety Xavier Woods played 100% of Carolina's defensive snaps this past campaign. He's scheduled to reach free agency, and a replacement may be needed. Tulane's Caleb Ransaw had an outstanding week at the Senior Bowl. Ransaw is versatile enough to play in coverage near the line of scrimmage, or in two-high shells.

Round 5 (No. 141 overall): Brashard Smith, RB, SMU

Jonathon Brooks suffered another ACL injury shortly after recovering from his first one. The Panthers unfortunately can't rely on him in 2025. Instead, they should take advantage of a deep running back class to add another talented player at the position. Brashard Smith was productive in Mobile. A former wideout, Smith is a dual-threat talent with incredibly high upside.

Round 5 (No. 147 overall): Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon

The Panthers should also take advantage of a deep tight end class to add more talent to the position. Ja’Tavion Sanders is a quality piece, but Tommy Tremble is slated for free agency. Terrance Ferguson possesses some pass-catching upside, and he's also alignment-versatile enough to play in-line.

Round 5 (No. 164 overall): Carson Vinson, OT, Alabama A&M

The offensive line has finally improved, but several starters or role players are on expiring contracts, including Cade Mays, Brady Christensen, and Austin Corbett. Some of these will probably be retained, but Morgan will draft at least one offensive lineman. Carson Vinson has some tackle-guard flexibility. Vinson is a developmental talent with future starter potential.

Round 7 (No. 229 overall): Warren Brinson, NT, Georgia

Evero employs the occasional nose tackle in 3-4 fronts. Shy Tuttle primarily played that role this past season. Adding depth and competition through Warren Brinson would be wise. Brinson possesses length, power, and functional athleticism.