168th Overall: Danny Pinter, OL (Ball State); 6-4, 306 lbs
The Panthers need on the offensive line doesn’t stop at guard, as while Tyler Larsen is still under contract for one more year, he really struggled during the preseason last year, and if the Panthers had had another viable option on the roster he likely would have been cut. While Pinter played right tackle in his final two years at Ball State after transitioning from tight end, he is expected to move inside due to length concerns, but he is really technically proficient for a player who has only recently played the position and his movement skills and technique work would make him a perfect candidate to develop behind Paradis as the long-term answer at center.
TRADE: The Panthers send the 182nd and 184th overall picks to Green Bay for picks 175 and 192
Having traded back to add extra picks, this move would see the Panthers swap two early sixth round picks for a late fifth-rounder and a mid sixth-rounder. While the Panthers don’t have a ton of draft capital in this scenario, at this point in the draft it makes sense to make this move if they think it is needed to secure a player they really like.
This is something we see a lot in the draft as things get towards the end, and here, the Panthers make this move in order to fill both a positional and value need.
175th Overall: Raequan Williams, DL (Michigan State); 6-4, 308 lbs
Even with the addition of Zach Kerr, the Panthers need to add more talent to their defensive line, and while Williams isn’t perfect, he looks to be able to contribute right away as a quality run defender with the tools to become a solid pass rusher with time. He uses his length extremely well to keep blockers at bay showing great hand placement, and has the strength and co-ordination to hold with own at the point of attack and work off blocks into gaps, while flashing the ability to penetrate.
TRADE: The Panthers send the 192nd pick to Minnesota for picks 201, 219 and 249
This is essentially the inverse of the trade with Green Bay, with the Panthers moving back a few spots in return for some additional picks that they can then use to fill out their roster. Minnesota is looking to compete now, and could well be willing to bundle some late round picks in order to get a player they think has fallen compared to his value.
