The first round of the 2019 NFL draft is in the books. Carolina hit one of its major needs by adding Brian Burns with the No. 16 overall pick. Who the Panthers will go after next with their second-round selection is anybody’s guess, but it would make a lot of sense of them to target one of the top offensive line prospects that are still available.
Here are five names for the team to consider.
Dalton Risner – Kansas State
Measurables: 6-foot-5, 312 pounds, 34-inch arms, 10.25-inch hands
Projected position: Risner started out his college career playing center as a freshman. Later, he moved over the right tackle, where he earned first-team all-conference honors for the 2018 season. Carolina is set at center with Matt Paradis, so he would likely project as a right tackle, moving Taylor Moton over to the left side.
Will he be there at No. 47? If Daniel Jones can go at No. 6 anything is possible. However, the chances of Risner still being on the board halfway through the second ground aren’t great. They might have to trade up.
Jawaan Taylor – Florida
Measurables: 6-foot-5, 312 pounds, 35.125-inch arms, 10-inch hands
Projected position: Taylor played right tackle for most of his time with the Gators. He did start in two games at left tackle as a sophomore, though. That’s not much to go on, but it may be enough to put him in the competition to start on the blind side.
Will he be there at No. 47? No. Taylor is widely considered to be the best offensive tackle prospect still available heading into Day 2. He’s most likely going to be picked early.
Yodny Cajuste – West Virginia
Measurables: 6-foot-5, 312 pounds, 34-inch arms, 10-inch hands
Projected position: Cajuste is a pure left tackle who didn’t play any other position at college. That could actually work in his favor for teams like the Panthers who desperately need a tried and true starter at that position. Last season, Cajuste split the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year award with Risner and Dru Samia.
Will he be there at No. 47? Yes. Cajuste is projected to go as late as the fourth round by some analysts, so he should still be there when Carolina is on the clock. It might be worth holding off until later if they want him.
Greg Little – Ole Miss
Measurables: 6-foot-5, 310 pounds, 35.25-inch arms, 10.25-inch hands
Projected position: Like Cajuste, Little is another true left tackle. After earning five starts at the tail end of his freshman season, he never looked back. Little earned second-team All-SEC honors in 2017 and first-team last season as a junior.
Will he be there at No. 47? This is debatable. Little’s athleticism and football bloodlines make him an intriguing pick. However, his lack of power will be held against him by teams debating in their war rooms.
Update:
This was their guy. The Panthers traded up 10 spots with the Seahawks, surrendering the No. 47 and No. 77 picks to get their hands on Little at No. 37. We’re not crazy about the trade but like the pick itself. Solid B.
Cody Ford – Oklahoma
Measurables: 6-foot-4, 329 pounds, 34-inch arms, 9.75-inch hands
Projected position: Ford began his time at Oklahoma playing left guard. Last season, he switched over to right tackle and really thrived. After dropping a bunch of weight and putting in 14 strong starts outside, he got an All-Big 12 nod.
Will he be there at No. 47? No. Ford should have probably been picked in the first round by another team. If he’s still there at 47, it will come as a shock. Carolina would definitely have to move up to get him.
.png?w=600)
