My Official Final Mock (No Trades)

[TylerVagyler]

I have made several of these throughout the off-season and since it's draft week, this will be my final opinion/hopes of the draft. I won't do any trades this time, although the likelihood of the Panthers moving back seems to be pretty high.

Round 1 (9): Fletcher Cox, DT/Mississippi State

Since the chances of Blackmon/Claiborne/Kalil falling to #9 are very slim, this is an obvious pick, in my opinion. Cox is by far the best prospect at DT. He is an extremely athletic player who explodes off the snap, overpowering the blocker. He needs to work on his technique, but this is something that can be taught quickly. He is versatile and can line up in several different packages; which we plan on doing on defense (the staff hinted at showing some 3-4 packages). Also, he is solid on STs as a kick blocker. Bottom line: we have a top 10 pick. If a team has a top 10 pick, they need to get someone who can make an immediate impact and be a starter on day 1. Cox is a guy who can meet those expectations; making us stronger a position where we desperately need help.

Round 2 (40): Chandler Jones, DE/Syracuse

Round 2 has not be friendly to Panthers in recent history but I have confidence this year due to the depth in this draft class. There are so many different options for us with the #40 pick; OLB, CB, DE, or maybe even WR. However, I think continuing to improve the pass rush is the right way to go here. Don't you miss the "old" days of dominating up front? Remember the fear we put into the opposing offenses? I want that again! Adding Jones would give us 4 quality DEs to go along with a pretty solid duo at DT (Cox and Edwards). Jones is a big, fast, and powerful player who has shown great pass rushing ability. I don't think he reached his full potential at Syracuse, but he has time to develop and doesn't have the pressure of starting day 1 because of Hardy. I do see him as the starter before the end of the season, though.

Round 4 (104): Jamell Fleming, CB/Oklahoma

Waiting until round 4 to address the CB position is risky, but will definitely pay off if Fleming is still available here. Fleming shows great quickness and doesn't let the WR separate too easily. Has good hands to deflect the ball away, is able to read routes pretty easily, and is confident in his game. Would be a fantastic pick up in round 4, adding depth and competition at CB.

Round 5 (145): Terrell Manning, LB/North Carolina State

Manning has been a popular pick on this site for quite some time now, but that's not a bad thing. Manning is a great prospect who should be available in the middle rounds. Has the ability to play inside or outside; with the injury concerns we have, this is a great quality. He is another extremely athletic player with great pass rush ability, something that should be a theme in our draft. He is also a solid contributor on special teams, something else the team has been trying to improve.

Round 6 (180): DaVier Posey, WR/Ohio State

With the first 4 picks going on the defensive side of the ball, this is a good time to address the offense. I don't think TE will be a big need in the draft as I see Shockey re-signing in June (once we get the money from Wharton's release). And OL depth is important, but we have acquired a couple guys I like this offseason and I expect Otah to have a big year. So that leaves the WR position. Posey should still be available here and would be a great value this late. He is tall and has exceptional speed (4.37 at the combine). Ability to beat the defender deep and come down with the 50-50 balls. He missed a lot of last season due to the "tattoo scandal" but still has great skills and would give us a deep threat.

Round 6 (207): Drew Butler, P/Georgia

He kicks the ball far.

Round 7 (216): Landon Walker, OT/Clemson

This is my big sleeper pick. Adds depth and size.

[Guest Bwood]

Like it.

[Dash Global]

Good draft.

Just watched Flemming in the Iowa game and was impressed.

I assume he runs a slow 40? Seems like he should be a 2nd-3rd round pick if his 40 is decent

[TylerVagyler]

He ran a 4.43 at the combine but scouts say that doesn't translate on the field. He's not slow by any means, but can get behind every now and then. But he is strong at recovery and finding the ball. Another knock on him, which concerns me a little, is that he can get overpowered by bigger WRs at the line.

He was initially viewed as a 4th rounder but with Minnifield dropping down because of surgery and Dennard dropping because of his recent issues, Fleming could move up.

[RockyTopVol]

I'd do the Carlton if this all came true.

[Panthro]

good stuff.

i think chandler is flying up the board though

[TylerVagyler]

Yeah, I've seen Chandler's name a lot recently too. I just don't know if those are smokescreens or true interests.

[DynastyRTR]

Most scouts have Fleming as a 2nd round pick

[Ken]

Really like this Mock, especially the 1st 4 picks, all potential starters come day 1.