Mock Draft Monday: 3 Days Till the Draft!
Time for another mock draft? We're doing a countdown until the NFL Draft with a mock draft each day! So, tune in at sometime each day to find more approaches the Panthers could take next in this year's draft. This mock draft was done using NFL Mock Draft Database.
Round 1 Pick 7: Andrew Thomas LT Georgia
While this may surprise Panther fans, Matt Rhule could be looking to shore up his quarterback's blindside protector for the forseeable future. Andrew Thomas is a very balanced prospect with good run blocking as well as pass blocking. If the Panthers don't really believe Greg Little can be that franchise guy, Hurney might want to draft the replacement for Jordan Gross all those years ago.
Round 2 Pick 38: Noah Igbinoghene CB Auburn
Noah is certainly one of the more intriguing corner prospects on Day 2 of the draft. After spending two seasons as a wide receiver, he converted to the other side of the line. Igbinoghene flourished and I think has secured a much higher slot than if he declared as a pass catcher. Panthers get their potential No. 1 corner, and fill a big need on the defense.
Round 3 Pick 75: Justin Madubuike DL Texas A&M
Panthers receive #75, #122; Colts receive #69
The Panthers have to select a defensive tackle no later than the third round, and Madubuike is their guy. He's a great run stuffer, which Carolina definitely needs on the interior. I decided to trade back after not seeing a great value pick at 69, but got the same guy I had my eye on at pick #75. Production in college normally leads to production in the NFL, and Madubuike produced. In 2019, he had 45 tackles, 11.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 1 INT, 2 PD, and I FF. Hopefully Short and Madubuike recreate the menacing Carolina lines of the past.
Round 4 Pick 113: Jason Strowbridge DL North Carolina
Had to throw in a hometown guy. Strowbridge fills a position of need, and also a relatively moderate amount of talent to the NFL. Strowbridge was the anchor for the Tarheel's defensive line last season, amassing 44 tackles, 6 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 1 PD, 3 FR, and 1 FF. I believe Jason has great character and also versatility. He has the ability to play both DE and DT after spending the first half of his college career as an edge rusher. I think Matt Rhule and Co. will love that.
Round 4 Pick 122: Darnay Holmes CB UCLA
With this pick, the Panthers solidify the secondary who could possibly start at slot corner. We'd be getting a strong aggressive corner with a smaller build but twice the tenacity. Holmes is a high effort player who may also add kick/punt return value to the special teams unit. I think this pick is also great for the value.
Round 5 Pick 148: Evan Weaver LB California
The Panthers are getting a tackling machine who might not have the athleticism to roam the whole field but the heart to give his full effort each and every play. Weaver can be patient but his instincts and recognition cause him to beat players to the spot. Weaver is worth a flier as a possible backup with small upside as a starter.
Round 5 Pick 152: Khaleke Hudson S Michigan
After evaluating the athleticism chart circulating in Twitter, Khaleke Hudson was shown to be one of the highest athletically tested linebacker/safeties that are draft eligible. Hudson could be a poor man's Simmons and Chinn because of his versatility. With that said, Khaleke may need time to develop before letting him engage during regualr season.
Round 6 Pick 184: James Proche WR SMU
I find it very likely that the Panthers draft a receiver in the later rounds, so I pick up one of the draft's most sure handed wideouts. Proche is a sleeper who may not slip this far, but has a great catch radius and can make plays down the field. His "freakish instincts" may allow Proche to thrive as a WR4 in the Panthers offense. Goodness knows Joe Brady wants a lot of receivers.
Round 7 Pick 221: Clay Johnston LB Baylor
A Panthers mock draft isn't a mock draft without a Baylor or Temple player, so we take a chance on one of Rhule's linebackers who is very detail-oriented. Johnston's instincts in zone coverage come up on tape, but his average athleticism and speed also shows. He could help bring the defense along with the understanding of Phil Snow's creative defense, after spending his college career at Baylor. Chances are high that Clay will become a special teams standout for Chase Blackburn's unit.
What was your favorite pick? Who do you want the Panthers to draft? Let me know in the comments below.