Joe Person mock draft. Mar 5.

[raleigh-panther]

from joe person    
 

In round two, we had Morgan making a trade with Seattle Seahawks GM John Schneider, Morgan’s former boss in Seattle. The Panthers moved back from 51 to 56 (which Seattle had traded up for), while getting the Seahawks’ third-round pick (96) and giving up one of their fifths (158). The deal left Carolina with four selections in the top 100.

Round 1, No. 19

Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

Something about mock season always leads us back to the SEC. After taking Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor in this spot last month, we brushed up on our math and figured out that, while talented, Mesidor will be pushing 30 when it’s time for his second contract. That doesn’t seem like a Morgan move, despite having also starred at The U.

Freeling, who turns 22 the first week of training camp, was viewed initially by some teams as a late-first-round prospect. But his stock has risen as scouts have gotten more of a look at the 6-7, 315-pounder with 33¾-inch arms. Freeling showed off his athleticism in Indianapolis, running a 40 in 4.93 seconds with a 1.72-second, 10-yard split.

Freeling started only one full season at Georgia and is still developing. The Panthers could also sign a veteran such as Yosh Nijman to replace injured Ikem Ekwonu and help Freeling get ready to take over. The question is whether Freeling will be available at 19. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has him going to the Miami Dolphins at 11 in his two-round mock that dropped Wednesday. But at least one NFC talent personnel executive thinks Freeling could fall to the Panthers.

In round two, we had Morgan making a trade with Seattle Seahawks GM John Schneider, Morgan’s former boss in Seattle. The Panthers moved back from 51 to 56 (which Seattle had traded up for), while getting the Seahawks’ third-round pick (96) and giving up one of their fifths (158). The deal left Carolina with four selections in the top 100.

 

Round 2, No. 56 (from SEA)

Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

As mentioned above, don’t be surprised if the Panthers open their wallets next week for Devin Lloyd, Kaden Elliss or one of the other top free-agent linebackers. It’s a position that needs to be addressed with a big swing, if not more. And the second round feels like the sweet spot for playmaking, off-ball linebackers.

In our initial mock, we went with Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., a 6-3, 238-pounder with big upside as a blitzer. But while Hill’s coverage skills are still a work in progress, Rodriguez will arrive in the NFL as a three-down ‘backer who had four interceptions last year for the Red Raiders. The 6-1, 231-pound Rodriguez finished his career with 19 forced turnovers, so he knows how to be disruptive around the ball.

Brugler, who also has Rodriguez going to Carolina in the second round, noted that Texas Tech coaches called him the “quarterback of the defense.” That sounds like a former Panthers linebacker who will be receiving a gold jacket this summer.

 

 

Round 3, No. 83

Jake Slaughter, C, Florida

The Panthers haven’t taken an offensive lineman in two drafts with Morgan as GM. But he could draft two this year, depending on how Cade Mays’ free agency plays out and what the Panthers’ plan is to replace Mays if he signs elsewhere.

Along with Auburn’s Connor Lew, Slaughter is considered one of the top centers in the draft. And the 6-5, 303-pounder appears poised to be a plug-and-play guy from Day 1, having started more than 30 games over five seasons in Gainesville. Slaughter is 83rd in Brugler’s rankings, so this was really the perfect spot for him.

Slaughter graduated last spring with a degree in agricultural education and communication and was on the SEC’s academic honor roll his final four seasons. Just as importantly, Slaughter is said to have a high football IQ, critical at the center position.

 

Round 3, No. 96 (from SEA)

Keyron Crawford, edge, Auburn

This could be one of those classic cases of a team (or mock drafter) scouting one player from a Power 4 team and developing a draft crush on one of his teammates. Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk has been mocked to the Panthers by a couple of draft analysts, and it’s not hard to see why. The 6-6, 276-pound Faulk has impressive length and a high ceiling.

But Crawford had more production than Faulk last season, finishing with more tackles, sacks, tackles for loss and passes defended than his more publicized teammate. Not bad for someone who didn’t start playing football until his senior year at his Memphis high school.

True, the 6-4, 253-pound Crawford is a bit undersized. But his explosive first step, effort at all three levels and upside make him an excellent value pick late on the second day of the draft.

 

Round 4, No. 119

Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri

The Panthers’ defense was improved last season, thanks in part to the return of defensive tackle Derrick Brown, a Pro Bowler in 2023. Brown finished with a career-high five sacks, tying Nic Scourton for the team lead.

Still, the Panthers could use a pass-rushing interior lineman, especially with the team expected to trade or release A’Shawn Robinson in a cost-cutting move. Enter McClellan, the Florida transfer whose six sacks last season were more than his total from the previous three seasons combined.

The 6-4, 313-pound McClellan looks the part with his 34-inch arms and 11-inch hands, among the largest of any player in the draft. Brugler believes McClelland has the strength to handle the point of attack and push the pocket as a rusher, calling him “an underrated player who will be part of a rotation for a long time.”

 

Round 5, No. 162

Kendrick Law, WR, Kentucky

Before digging in on Law, it’s worth mentioning that the Panthers drafting a receiver in the first round for the third year in a row isn’t out of the question, depending on how their board shakes out. Is it likely? Probably not, but worth keeping in mind.

 

 

The Panthers would like to diversify their receiving room with a speedy, shifty athlete who can make plays after the catch and in the run game. They took a flyer on one in the sixth round last year in former Colorado wideout Jimmy Horn, who had a couple of splash plays as a rookie. Maybe Morgan and Dave Canales try it again with another Day-3 receiver.

If so, the 5-11, 203-pound Law is worth a look. He transferred to Kentucky in 2025 after three years at Alabama and led the Wildcats in receptions (53) and receiving yards (540), a good chunk of which came on yards after the catch on bubble screens and other quick-hitting throws. Law doesn’t have blinding speed (he ran a 4.45-second 40 in Indy), but he has good hands and can break tackles in space.

Plus, he returned kicks at Alabama and Kentucky, averaging 23 yards over the past three seasons.

Round 6, No. 200

T.J. Hall, cornerback, Iowa

With Mike Jackson in the final year of his contract and nearing his 30s, it’s not too early to start thinking about a succession plan. Teams typically don’t find starting corners late in the third day. And even those who do develop often take time. Jackson, a fifth-round pick in 2019, didn’t become a starter until 2022 in Seattle, his fourth team in three years.

All of which to say that realistic expectations are needed for anyone who would have appeared in this space, including Hall, who at least has the size (6-1, 189) the Panthers look for in their corners. Hall only had two interceptions for the Hawkeyes and isn’t a burner. But he led Iowa with 10 pass breakups last season and was a willing tackler, with a team-high eight tackles in their bowl win over Vanderbilt.

 

 

 

 

[hepcat]

Between Anthony Hill Jr and Jacob Rodriguez, you take Anthony Hill Jr. He is going to be a stud LB. No shade to Jacob Rodriguez but if you watch the film for both it’s not even close who is going to have the better NFL career.

[TheSpecialJuan]

28 minutes ago, raleigh-panther said:

from joe person    
 

In round two, we had Morgan making a trade with Seattle Seahawks GM John Schneider, Morgan’s former boss in Seattle. The Panthers moved back from 51 to 56 (which Seattle had traded up for), while getting the Seahawks’ third-round pick (96) and giving up one of their fifths (158). The deal left Carolina with four selections in the top 100.

Round 1, No. 19

Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

Something about mock season always leads us back to the SEC. After taking Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor in this spot last month, we brushed up on our math and figured out that, while talented, Mesidor will be pushing 30 when it’s time for his second contract. That doesn’t seem like a Morgan move, despite having also starred at The U.

Freeling, who turns 22 the first week of training camp, was viewed initially by some teams as a late-first-round prospect. But his stock has risen as scouts have gotten more of a look at the 6-7, 315-pounder with 33¾-inch arms. Freeling showed off his athleticism in Indianapolis, running a 40 in 4.93 seconds with a 1.72-second, 10-yard split.

Freeling started only one full season at Georgia and is still developing. The Panthers could also sign a veteran such as Yosh Nijman to replace injured Ikem Ekwonu and help Freeling get ready to take over. The question is whether Freeling will be available at 19. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has him going to the Miami Dolphins at 11 in his two-round mock that dropped Wednesday. But at least one NFC talent personnel executive thinks Freeling could fall to the Panthers.

In round two, we had Morgan making a trade with Seattle Seahawks GM John Schneider, Morgan’s former boss in Seattle. The Panthers moved back from 51 to 56 (which Seattle had traded up for), while getting the Seahawks’ third-round pick (96) and giving up one of their fifths (158). The deal left Carolina with four selections in the top 100.

 

Round 2, No. 56 (from SEA)

Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

As mentioned above, don’t be surprised if the Panthers open their wallets next week for Devin Lloyd, Kaden Elliss or one of the other top free-agent linebackers. It’s a position that needs to be addressed with a big swing, if not more. And the second round feels like the sweet spot for playmaking, off-ball linebackers.

In our initial mock, we went with Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., a 6-3, 238-pounder with big upside as a blitzer. But while Hill’s coverage skills are still a work in progress, Rodriguez will arrive in the NFL as a three-down ‘backer who had four interceptions last year for the Red Raiders. The 6-1, 231-pound Rodriguez finished his career with 19 forced turnovers, so he knows how to be disruptive around the ball.

Brugler, who also has Rodriguez going to Carolina in the second round, noted that Texas Tech coaches called him the “quarterback of the defense.” That sounds like a former Panthers linebacker who will be receiving a gold jacket this summer.

 

 

Round 3, No. 83

Jake Slaughter, C, Florida

The Panthers haven’t taken an offensive lineman in two drafts with Morgan as GM. But he could draft two this year, depending on how Cade Mays’ free agency plays out and what the Panthers’ plan is to replace Mays if he signs elsewhere.

Along with Auburn’s Connor Lew, Slaughter is considered one of the top centers in the draft. And the 6-5, 303-pounder appears poised to be a plug-and-play guy from Day 1, having started more than 30 games over five seasons in Gainesville. Slaughter is 83rd in Brugler’s rankings, so this was really the perfect spot for him.

Slaughter graduated last spring with a degree in agricultural education and communication and was on the SEC’s academic honor roll his final four seasons. Just as importantly, Slaughter is said to have a high football IQ, critical at the center position.

 

Round 3, No. 96 (from SEA)

Keyron Crawford, edge, Auburn

This could be one of those classic cases of a team (or mock drafter) scouting one player from a Power 4 team and developing a draft crush on one of his teammates. Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk has been mocked to the Panthers by a couple of draft analysts, and it’s not hard to see why. The 6-6, 276-pound Faulk has impressive length and a high ceiling.

But Crawford had more production than Faulk last season, finishing with more tackles, sacks, tackles for loss and passes defended than his more publicized teammate. Not bad for someone who didn’t start playing football until his senior year at his Memphis high school.

True, the 6-4, 253-pound Crawford is a bit undersized. But his explosive first step, effort at all three levels and upside make him an excellent value pick late on the second day of the draft.

 

Round 4, No. 119

Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri

The Panthers’ defense was improved last season, thanks in part to the return of defensive tackle Derrick Brown, a Pro Bowler in 2023. Brown finished with a career-high five sacks, tying Nic Scourton for the team lead.

Still, the Panthers could use a pass-rushing interior lineman, especially with the team expected to trade or release A’Shawn Robinson in a cost-cutting move. Enter McClellan, the Florida transfer whose six sacks last season were more than his total from the previous three seasons combined.

The 6-4, 313-pound McClellan looks the part with his 34-inch arms and 11-inch hands, among the largest of any player in the draft. Brugler believes McClelland has the strength to handle the point of attack and push the pocket as a rusher, calling him “an underrated player who will be part of a rotation for a long time.”

 

Round 5, No. 162

Kendrick Law, WR, Kentucky

Before digging in on Law, it’s worth mentioning that the Panthers drafting a receiver in the first round for the third year in a row isn’t out of the question, depending on how their board shakes out. Is it likely? Probably not, but worth keeping in mind.

 

 

The Panthers would like to diversify their receiving room with a speedy, shifty athlete who can make plays after the catch and in the run game. They took a flyer on one in the sixth round last year in former Colorado wideout Jimmy Horn, who had a couple of splash plays as a rookie. Maybe Morgan and Dave Canales try it again with another Day-3 receiver.

If so, the 5-11, 203-pound Law is worth a look. He transferred to Kentucky in 2025 after three years at Alabama and led the Wildcats in receptions (53) and receiving yards (540), a good chunk of which came on yards after the catch on bubble screens and other quick-hitting throws. Law doesn’t have blinding speed (he ran a 4.45-second 40 in Indy), but he has good hands and can break tackles in space.

Plus, he returned kicks at Alabama and Kentucky, averaging 23 yards over the past three seasons.

Round 6, No. 200

T.J. Hall, cornerback, Iowa

With Mike Jackson in the final year of his contract and nearing his 30s, it’s not too early to start thinking about a succession plan. Teams typically don’t find starting corners late in the third day. And even those who do develop often take time. Jackson, a fifth-round pick in 2019, didn’t become a starter until 2022 in Seattle, his fourth team in three years.

All of which to say that realistic expectations are needed for anyone who would have appeared in this space, including Hall, who at least has the size (6-1, 189) the Panthers look for in their corners. Hall only had two interceptions for the Hawkeyes and isn’t a burner. But he led Iowa with 10 pass breakups last season and was a willing tackler, with a team-high eight tackles in their bowl win over Vanderbilt.

 

 

 

 

I hate it 

[Jon Snow]

The first 3 picks would certainly help this team and would dill immediate needs. Must be why it feels like a needs based mock.

If that was the best they could do I would comfortably say that they got 3 starters out of that group. I know nothing about the rest of those picks.

[raleigh-panther]

Just interesting to see how people around the team and administration feel vs  those in the national media  not as close to the team

draft, such a crap shoot 

ickey situation is huge to me got to,have  a decent, reliable left tackle plus one or two swing Ts, it is a long year. 

Edited 13 hours ago by raleigh-panther

[strato]

13 minutes ago, Jon Snow said:

The first 3 picks would certainly help this team and would dill immediate needs. Must be why it feels like a needs based mock.

If that was the best they could do I would comfortably say that they got 3 starters out of that group. I know nothing about the rest of those picks.

I think I’d prefer Hill Jr myself too but overall I would like that draft.

I am there after the 3rd too. I don’t pretend to know 200 players and how they would or wouldn’t fit. Same for me every year pretty much, I learn them after we take them. 

 2023 was the only exception in years. 

Edited 13 hours ago by strato

[chbright]

46 minutes ago, hepcat said:

Between Anthony Hill Jr and Jacob Rodriguez, you take Anthony Hill Jr. He is going to be a stud LB. No shade to Jacob Rodriguez but if you watch the film for both it’s not even close who is going to have the better NFL career.

If its Hill or Rodriguez and Crawford, give me Hill 10 out of 10 times but think you are under estimating Rodriguez. Dude is a far more athletic than people give him credit for and as stated, he is a QB of the D, something we have missed for a long time. I too think Hill has a lot higher upside, and the top ILB/MLB in the draft. I think Hill is the prototype MLB/ILB and his production is top notch and really steps it up against top comp. 

i just am not that high on Crawford really to make the downgrade worth it.

[hepcat]

18 minutes ago, chbright said:

If its Hill or Rodriguez and Crawford, give me Hill 10 out of 10 times but think you are under estimating Rodriguez. Dude is a far more athletic than people give him credit for and as stated, he is a QB of the D, something we have missed for a long time. I too think Hill has a lot higher upside, and the top ILB/MLB in the draft. I think Hill is the prototype MLB/ILB and his production is top notch and really steps it up against top comp. 

i just am not that high on Crawford really to make the downgrade worth it.

I agree and like I said, no shade to Rodriguez. If the Panthers got him in the second round it would be a good pick. Rodriguez is arguably more pro ready and he’s obviously better in pass coverage. It’s a very safe pick and the Panthers defense would improve. He has a place on the Panthers defense on day 1.

But Hill’s ceiling is Micah Parsons. If Hill goes to the right team and develops his game he will be a perennial All Pro game wrecker. Hill is a guy who can win games for you by himself. His open field tackling is excellent, his fast and violent, he’s exactly what the Panthers pass rush needs. For a team that lost games specifically for moments that needed a guy like Hill who could get to the QB in a critical moment, I’d much rather have him than a heady undersized LB.

Honestly if they can draft them both, the defense is set up nicely if Scourton can continue to develop. If we see them sign Devin Lloyd it might even signal they’re leaning Anthony Hill. 

[rmoneyg35]

3 hours ago, raleigh-panther said:

Just interesting to see how people around the team and administration feel vs  those in the national media  not as close to the team

draft, such a crap shoot 

ickey situation is huge to me got to,have  a decent, reliable left tackle plus one or two swing Ts, it is a long year. 

Us losing Icky was bad but if we draft a tackle in this draft it could really help us out in the future. Moton isn’t getting any younger and has had injury problems himself. If Icky does come back and is able to play at the same level then we will have a way to replace Moton and send one of the tackles to the right side.

 

another scenario is if Icky does come back and he can’t play even close to the same he was before and we end up having to let him go then we would really be in a bad situation with the tackle position if we didn’t draft one. Moton could be retiring or age catch up to him and icky being done with no talent to replace them would be a major loss to our offensive line.

 

 

[ncsfinest21]

Hill can be the new TD and Rod can be a Luke type (nobody like Luke though)

[MHS831]

I love this draft because they picked the right OL.  It is possible that we have 2 rookies starting on the OL.  I would take Utah's Lomu as well, but for those who think you find the OL in free agency and not the draft, here is all I have to say:  We cannot give $110m to the 5 starting OL.  We need an infusion of youth on the OL as well.  If Ickey returns and can play, I imagine that he takes over for Hunt at RG--in 2027 or so.  Currently, our 2 guards and right tackle make up over 20% of the total cap.  We have to add 2 starters, but if Cade Mays was too pricey at around (anticipated) $8m, then we plan to draft a C, it seems. I think we draft an OT and C now because we will need a G or 2 and a RT soon.  While they were good in 2026, they were not elite.  For that kind of $$, we need elite.  Is starting a rookie LT and C ideal?  Nope.  But if we can get better than Nijman and Mays, we should be OK.

I think we will pick up an ILB in free agency and add an ILB.  Who we draft (Mike or Will) will depend on who we sign.  Rodriguez is a favorite of mine, but if Golday is there, Morgan is going to take him.  Morgan will love him.

I do not think we need to overpopulate the edge position right now because we have 1 edge returning from injury (Jones II), one rookie from last year ready to step up and could be really good (Scourton), and another who could be ready to step into the situational pass rusher role (Princely).  2 hold the edge very well and if we had a situational pass rusher to join Princely, we could be much better. I think rookies at Edge tend to jump considerably from their rookie seasons to years 2 and 3.  (Charles Johnson, Mike Rucker, and Greg Hardy were that way-and all became very good in time.

Safety seems omitted, but we shall see.  That could be another free agent acquisition.

[not.Jeff.Reed]

What do y'all think about this guard, Gennings Dunker, out of Iowa. probably be a good choice in the 3rd round.