Swag's 2nd and Final Mock

[Swaggasaurus]

I have been working on this mock draft since the NFL combine, attempted to accurately project what players will be available when we pick according to experts and how that matches up with my own rankings. I do not always agree with the professionals and feel that they do not make enough in season adjustments to their player rankings. I'm not mocking any trades here, because I just don't like doing that. That said I am sure that we will have some trades.

Team needs going in

DT- Needs a compete overhaul, we have Dwan and.............

WR- one with #1 potential, not depth, we got that in the offseason.

OL-Could use a couple of good ones, big hole at RG

SS-Godfrey has a job at FS and we have backups

TE- I think we will use a lot more 2 TE sets this year, would be nice to pick up a good blocker

Round 1- Deandre Hopkins-WR-Clemson 6'1'' 200

Hopkins is a real technician of the game. He runs better routes that any receiver in the draft and understands how to position his body to catch the ball even with a defender draped on him. Some of you guys may have others rated higher, but I don't. This guy was a productive receiver for three years in a major conference, can run all of the routes, is a great hands catcher and possesses 4.4-4.5 speed, a resume that clearly trumps most of the other receivers in the class. We have brought all of the top WR's in for a reason, we will be picking one early, I think this is the guy.

Round 2- Kawann Short-DT-Purdue 6'3" 300

Draftniks have DT's dropping into the bottom of the 2nd round now. I will say that I agree with most of the assessments including that of Jenkins and Hankins, but everyone now is dropping Short into the back half of round 2, I view him as draftable in late 1. Short has been limited in workouts the offseason, missing combine and pro day workouts because of a hammy, a possible culprit for his lack of love. Short is a monster, he has very large base and uses that to hold up well in the run game. His penetration sets him apart from others, Short's sack numbers over the past three years are 4.5, 6.5, and 7. His TFL numbers are 12.5, 17.5, and 15.5. No other DT in this class has shown the ability to penetrate the way that Short can. He has lined up at nose and 3 tech while at Purdue.

Round 4- Duke Williams-SS-Nevada 6' 0'' 190

Williams is a guy who is a big hitter, reminds me a lot of Chris Harris. Not much of a ball hawk, but does have the speed to run with WR. I feel like Rivera wants another safety opposite Charles Godfrey who can play close to the line to help the run D.

Round 5- Byron Jerideau-DT-South Carolina 6'0'' 335

Draft "experts" have this guy nowhere on their radar, likely because they are lazy bastards who only repeat what others say. I first noticed big Byron when I was watching cut ups of other SC prospects like Swearinger and Taylor. I figured that I had not heard much about him because he was not eligible for the draft. Turns out that he is a senior, JUCO transfer. Jerideau is stout as fug and does a great job at holding his ground against doubles, much better than other guys like Geathers and Barnes. Jerideau also shows good quickness and can be very disruptive in the backfield. If you don't like the pick, Youtube some highlights or something bitch and then get back to me as to why other guys are draftable but he is not. We need a true NT, he is the best available here.

Round 6- Travis Bond- OG -UNC-6'6'' 330

Another guy in Bond here who is not getting any hype from the draft guys. Bond is strong and has long arms. He uses those arms well to corral pass rushers and is a real mauler in the run game. I noticed Bond while looking through some Youtube vids for Cooper and Bond's right side mate Brennan Williams. After going back through some UNC games, he does a really great job in both the run game and pass game. There are some negatives here, Bond's knee bend is atrocious and makes his technique very poor, but he really gets the job done at RG. Bond also has some weight problems and has ballooned up a couple of times while at UNC.

I don't like that I did not address the huge need at OL with a big time talent here, but I do not like the mid round OL in this draft. I believe that will address the Oline through FA, by picking up a vet guard somewhere along the way.

[XClown1986]

I love rounds 1-4. Those are 3 very good players (provided Rivera can light a fire under Short). Don't know enough about the other 2 players, but all in all I would like this draft.

[CAPantherFan]

I think you have this spot on based on the Panthers interviews. They've been all over Hopkins and Short it seems. Keenan is a question mark with his knee and Tavon just too small to be #1 receiver.

Funny, Sheldon Richardson, who everyone thinks we're going to draft, hasn't even been interviewed by the Panthers (that I know of). We know from history that we won't pick someone we haven't even interviewed (unless it was someone that fell big time in the draft).

[Pejorative Miscreant]

If this happens I would be semi-okay with it. I don't think anyone in the receiver class is capable of coming into this offense and starting so I really don't like the pick. Fifth round guy might be a diamond in the rough.

[ncsu12engr]

I would be very happy with this draft. Hopkins would be a great addition to the offense and then Short and Williams could come in to shore up the defense. Best mock I've seen so far.

[carolina-chuck]

Very good mock!

I'd go to sleep with my TV not split in half after the draft if this happens

[saX man]

I really like this plus it woud make way to grab an OG in the FA which is the route I'd prefer taking for that need. It'd be better to have a solid vet beside Bell.

I think we take a stab at a TE in rounds 5-6 but really nice route you took. I'd definitely be happy.

[Swaggasaurus]

I really like this plus it woud make way to grab an OG in the FA which is the route I'd prefer taking for that need. It'd be better to have a solid vet beside Bell.

I think we take a stab at a TE in rounds 5-6 but really nice route you took. I'd definitely be happy.

If we had more picks I would love to add Dion Sims or Rivera in mid rounds if we could work out some kind of trade. We need a plug and play OG, like Dwan Edwards of OL.

[JawnyBlaze]

I'd be very happy with this draft. I prefer Hankins over Short (by a lot) if he's there, but of the guys actually likely to be available with our 2nd pick, Short or S. Williams would be my favorite so far.

[Swaggasaurus]

I think you have this spot on based on the Panthers interviews. They've been all over Hopkins and Short it seems. Keenan is a question mark with his knee and Tavon just too small to be #1 receiver.

Funny, Sheldon Richardson, who everyone thinks we're going to draft, hasn't even been interviewed by the Panthers (that I know of). We know from history that we won't pick someone we haven't even interviewed (unless it was someone that fell big time in the draft).

I am really hoping this is the case with Richardson. He is the most overhyped prospect that I have seen in a long time. A one year wonder who's one year only had 4 sacks and 10 TFL for a guy who is viewed as a penetrator? Something is just off about that.

[firstdayfan]

I keep seeing Hopkins compared to Roddy White and I am becoming more and more impressed with him. I like Da'rick Rodgers skill set better but Hopkins is a better person and teammate. I think its funny how some people break down DT prospects in two categories but not wideouts. I feel like there's outside guys and inside/slot guys. I feel like we need an outside guy and on talent alone I'd rank Rodgers 1a and Hopkins 1b. So I like it. Austin would be the best inside guy and probably the most dynamic player in the draft. I don't think he'll be there when we pick though so I feel like it will be Hopkins is a good bet to be the pick.

[Swaggasaurus]

I'd be very happy with this draft. I prefer Hankins over Short (by a lot) if he's there, but of the guys actually likely to be available with our 2nd pick, Short or S. Williams would be my favorite so far.

I think that Hankins will be available. I was really hating on him earlier in the draft process because folks were mocking him to us in round 1, but in round two the price is right, pure run stopper. I have very little doubt at this point that Hankins will be available when we pick, in fact I had him pegged as our pick for round 2 until about a week ago. I would be happy with Hankins at 44, actually I would be happy with any DT here in the second, Williams, Williams, Jenkins, Jones, Hankins, Short or Richardson and a couple of them should be available.

[ZackAttack23]

It's okay, but am I the only one who realizes Kawann Short has a lazy eye?

[Dash Global]

If our first 3 picks go like that it will be a HOME RUN. With that said, Hopkins at 14 might be too high / a slight reach. Short wont be there at 44. Some GM is gonna realize how good he is at penetrating / getting tackles for loss / pressure / and sacks and scoop him up mid-late first. I think Jenkins and Hankins will be there at 44.

I wouldnt mind Hopkins at 14 as I think he is the best outside playmaking WR in the draft.

Would be really happy if the draft went this way.

I want DT Hughes in the 5th but he prob wont be there so good find on the DT from Scar.

I am gonna be really disappointed if we dont get Duke Williams in the 4th. I think he is being overlooked and can come in a start at SS for us.