Josh Klein Makes The Easy Choices
Round 1 (16) – Andre Dillard, T Washington State
I had a blurb written for Brian Burns in this slot as well – but ultimately, I think the Panthers have been saying for months that their core goal this offseason was to improve the offensive line around Cam Newton and this pick does just that – a line of Dillard-Williams-Paradis-Turner-Moton is the most talented group in front of Cam he’s had in his entire career. I also think Jonah Williams and Jawaan Taylor are options at this slot as well; if all three are gone, don’t be surprised if they look to trade back…or at an interior defensive lineman like Jerry Tillery, he was my third choice. How’s that for hedging? Three picks in the first round!
Round 2 (47) – Chase Winovich, Edge Michigan
While Winovich is likely gone by the 47th pick, I’ve made it very clear that the second round is where you put your pipe dreams in a mock draft – I’ve also been mocking Rashan Gary here, especially with the torn labrum news that came out this week; injuries force draft slides out of the first round all the time and it might be Gary. But if Winovich is there, he ticks a lot of boxes for the Panthers as an immediate impact player that can both rush the passer and feels comfortable dropping into coverage and Carolina has secured a Week 1 starter at their two biggest positions of need in the first two rounds.
Round 3 (77) – Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S Florida
While some have CGJ going as early as the first round, like last year, I have a feeling the safety market is being overvalued in the minds of mock drafters and I think that he slips this far and into the grasp of the Panthers – another perfect fit, because why not? That’s what mocks are for. If one of the safety prospects they don’t like isn’t here at 77, look for the Panthers to double dip on the defensive line with a 3-tech defensive lineman. But check out this video and tell me CGJ isn’t a perfect fit for the Panthers.
Round 3 (100) – Jarrett Stidham, QB Auburn
While most are focused on Will Grier in the second, I think Grier is the surprising QB that goes well before 47 so the Panthers will ‘settle’ for Stidham, who throws an extremely catchable ball and would do well to have some tutelage under Norv Turner while he continues to learn and grow. The Panthers can keep Newton, Kyle Allen and Stidham on the roster – a franchise QB with a tenuous shoulder, a backup that knows the offense and can step in for 2019 if necessary and a QB of the future that isn’t ready to play in 2019, but could make an impact on the franchise – just not next season.
Round 4 (115) – Rock Ya-Sin, CB Temple
A player that won’t be expected to contribute right away, the 5-11 corner has the skillset and body type to compete, but might not be ready to play in Year 1. Luckily, the Panthers have a multitude of cornerbacks on the roster in Bradberry, Jackson, Seymour, Elder and even Rashaan Gaulden – Ya-Sin flashed at times at Temple and upside to be a starter while giving you depth on the in the fourth round is good value.
Round 5 (154) – Gerald Willis, DT Miami
Willis sat out the 2017 season for personal reasons but his tenacious motor and his impressive burst/bend gives him the upside to be selected on Day 3. The Panthers still need someone to rotate as a 3-tech in their three-man front – Willis can make plays in a small sample size and has quick, nimble feet; while there are red flags on tape, the fifth round is totally a time to pull the trigger on a high-ceiling/low-floor athlete.
Round 6 (187) – Kerrith Whyte, RB Florida Atlantic
Does this sound familiar? 10 touchdowns in only 144 touches in 2018 and the speed to break away from defenses with a threat to score every time he touches the ball? That’s not Curtis Samuel – it’s Kerrith Whyte, who offers the ability to be a kick returner immediately and can provide some depth in case the unthinkable happens to Christian McCaffrey. Whyte played behind Devin Singletary and he has both the strength to run inside and the speed/quickness to produce on the outside.
So what did you think? Who nailed it? Who’s did you hate? Let them know on Twitter – we’re sure they’d love to hear your thoughts.
Twitter: @KeepPounDENN
