The 2019 NFL draft is just a few days away. By now, you’re probably familiar with all the big first-round names and have seen them mocked to the Panthers at least a dozen times. You may have also heard the rumors that the team is very much interested in West Virginia quarterback Will Grier and may target him as early as the second round.
Whether that’s misdirection, unfounded gossip or just total peak draft season nonsense, it’s not a good idea. First of all, Grier is projected to be a fourth-round pick, so they don’t need to go after him that early. Furthermore, trading up for a backup quarterback is fundamentally poor draft management. Let’s hope the rumors are just that and the Panthers plan to address one of their key roster needs with the No. 47 overall pick. Here’s seven solid options for them to choose from.
DE Chase Winovich
This year’s EDGE class is phenomenal, but there’s only a handful of elite prospects at the position. If guys like Josh Allen, Nick Bosa, Montez Sweat and Brian Burns are all gone by the time Carolina picks at No. 16, then it might be smarter to wait until round two to address this spot. Michigan’s Winovich is far and away the best of the second tier EDGE prospects this year. He can effectively stop the run and rush the passer, which should be a big plus considering the Panthers’ needs.
OT Dalton Risner
If the Panthers don’t land a top offensive line prospect like Andre Dillard or Jonah Williams in round one, there should still be plenty of good ones available in the second. Kansas State’s Risner is a mauler in the run game and an unmovable mountain in pass protection. He’s also extremely strong for his size. Picking him would allow Carolina to start Risner and Taylor Moton and let Daryl Williams either slide inside to left guard or serve as the backup for both tackle spots.
DT Dexter Lawrence
Clemson has several brilliant defensive line prospects coming in this year. Clelin Ferrell might be the preferred favorite of Panthers fans, but there’s a lot to like about targeting Lawrence at No. 47. He totaled 10 sacks and 18 tackles for a loss during his time in college. This isn’t so much a pressing roster need. However, adding a player like Lawrence now would empower them to move on from Dontari Poe in 2020, which would save them $10 million in cap room.
CB Rock Ya-Sin
Cornerback is another area that Carolina will have to boost in this draft. Ya-Sin has the length and the physicality to be a high-quality starter some day in the NFL. In his one year at Temple, he won first-team All-American Athletic Conference honors. At the combine, he showed off his strength with 18 bench press reps and some hops with a 39.5-inch vertical. If the Panthers pick him, he might eventually replace James Bradberry.
S Nasir Adderley
The Panthers’ secondary needs a lot of work and not just at cornerback. With Mike Adams moving on, the team has to find a new starter to pair with Eric Reid. Adderley has the kind of flexibility that would give a huge boost to the unit. He has experience playing single high, in the box, in the slot and on special teams. Adderley’s anticipation and play recognition might make him best suited for free safety, which would allow Reid to play closer to the line where he’s better suited.
OL Greg Little
If the Panthers do nothing else in the 2019 draft, they have to find somebody who’s a natural fit at left tackle. Little exclusively played the position at Mississippi and he thrived despite playing against the toughest competition college football has to offer. He was named All-SEC last year after winning second-team honors the season before. Little has set his sights high: he says he wants to be an All-Pro as a rookie.
S Darnell Savage
The second round might be the best time to address the hole at the safety position. Maryland’s Savage is another good option. He was one of their official top-30 visits, so he is certainly on their radar. In college, he posted eight interceptions, 13 pass breakups and nine tackles for a loss in 40 games. The way Savage finishes his tackles must be an alluring trait for Ron Rivera.
