With the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine officially in the books, teams have a better idea what their big boards could look like for the draft as some prospects helped themselves out more than others.
Here are a few players the Panthers could be interested in that did just that.
Montez Sweat, Edge, Mississippi State
We already had a good feeling Sweat was athletic and explosive. But his Combine results took those expectations to the next level, as he ran the fastest 40-yard dash among not just all defensive linemen but even beat all the linebackers on Sunday. His blazing 4.41 time was 0.01 seconds better than that of LSU linebacker Devin White’s and at 6-foot-6, 260 pounds, that’s quite impressive. Not to mention his 4.29 20-yard shuttle and 7.0 three-cone time are also outstanding numbers. It’s entirely possible he won’t be available at No. 16 anymore. If the Panthers want him, they’ll probably have to trade up in the first round.
Garrett Bradbury, IOL, North Carolina State
Bradbury likely cemented himself as the top interior offensive line prospect this year with his ridiculous athletic testing numbers at the combine. He posted 34 reps on the bench press and his 7.41 three-cone and 4.53 short shuttle show amazing athletic ability and change of direction for a 306-pounder. Bradbury also showed some wheels. He was one of just four offensive linemen to run the 40-yard dash in under five seconds.
Erik McCoy, IOL, Texas A&M
If the Panthers can’t land Bradbury, Erik McCoy has become more than a fine consolation prize. Like Bradbury, McCoy displayed plus athleticism and strength at the combine, posting a 4.62 short shuttle, 107 inches on the broad jump and 31 reps on the bench press. He’s quietly moved into round two conversation. The Panthers had already met with McCoy at the Senior Bowl and the team has to be happy with what they saw out of McCoy in Indianapolis. If he lands in Carolina, he would likely take the retiring Ryan Kalil’s place starting at center.
Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina
Samuel may not have been the fastest receiver in Indianapolis, but he still posted a very respectable 4.48 in the 40-yard dash. Also, his 39-inch vertical jump shows outstanding lower body explosiveness and his 4.14 short shuttle was among the best times for wide receivers. After impressing at the Senior Bowl, Samuel continued to deliver at the combine and is another potential round two option for the Panthers.
Alex Barnes, RB, Kansas State
If Carolina is serious about finding a legitimate complement for Christian McCaffrey, one possible option could be Alex Barnes. At six-foot, 226 pounds, he’s not the quickest back of the bunch (he posted a 4.59 second 40-yard dash), but his 4.10 short shuttle was the best among all running backs and his impressive 6.95 three-cone was second only to Penn State’s Miles Sanders. Barnes may not be a three-down back in the NFL, but with McCaffrey around, he doesn’t need to be.
