Panthers general manager Marty Hurney recently said the team’s early moves in free agency would allow a push towards going best player available in the first round. In our latest seven-round mock draft, that’s exactly the idea we used with the No. 16 overall pick.
The simulation was run at the Draft Network using their predictive board. In the end, the Panthers got a top play-maker at tight end and added two new edge defenders. Here’s how Carolina made out.
No. 16: Iowa TE Noah Fant, 6-foot-4, 249 pounds
Fant was hands down the top player available when we were on the clock. Picking him at No. 16 would give the Panthers a ready-made successor for Greg Olsen when he decides to retire to the broadcast booth. Fant would also give Cam Newton another red zone weapon right away. Over his last two seasons at Iowa, Fant caught 18 touchdowns despite splitting significant targets with T.J. Hockenson, also projected as a first-round pick.
No. 47: Texas EDGE Charles Omenihu, 6-foot-5, 280 pounds
Realistically, the Panthers can only afford to go best player available in the first round. After that, they need to address their needs, beginning at edge. Fortunately, the 2019 defensive line class is a monster and Omenihu is one of the top names. He had a breakout year in 2018 with 9.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. Omenihu can line up at several spots and could start right away on the opposite side from Mario Addison.
No. 77: Miss. St. S Johnathan Abram, 5-foot-11, 205 pounds
The Panthers’ most pressing needs are in the trenches, but they also have to fix the secondary. With Mike Adams moving on, they have to find a new starter to pair with Eric Reid. Abrams would be a solid choice. In 33 career college games, Abrams totaled two interceptions, 10 pass breakups, 15.5 tackles for a loss and five sacks.
No. 100: Ohio St. WR Terry McLaurin, 6-foot-1, 208 pounds
Carolina has gotten good returns on Curtis Samuel so far. Here, they go back to the Ohio State well and take a chance on McLaurin. As a senior, he posted career highs with 35 catches, 701 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. McLaurin would make for a valuable No. 4 receiver behind Samuel, D.J. Moore and Torrey Smith. He could even push Smith for his roster spot and potentially save the team a $5 million cap hit.
No. 115: Iowa St. RB David Montgomery, 5-foot-10, 222 pounds
Since they decided to bring back Cameron Artis-Payne instead of C.J. Anderson, the Panthers also need a new backup behind Christian McCaffrey. Montgomery has the power that Ron Rivera usually looks for in his running backs and would offer a change of pace. From 2017-2018, Montgomery was very productive, racking up 2,362 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns. He also added another 453 receiving yards on 58 catches.
No. 154: UNC EDGE Malik Carney, 6-foot-3, 245 pounds
Truth is, Carolina’s edge rotation was at least two men short last season. Bringing in Bruce Irvin and a top prospect like Omenihu will certainly help. Drafting one more guy would complete the look, though. He’s no Julius Peppers, but Carney has sleeper potential for a Day 3 pick. In 36 games at North Carolina, he totaled 17 sacks, 32.5 tackles for a loss and forced an impressive nine fumbles.
No. 187: San Diego St. OT Tyler Roemer, 6-foot-7, 315 pounds
This is admittedly a little bit late to address offensive tackle. We got our money’s worth with a big one, though. At the combine, Roemer’s arms were measured at 33.875 inches and his hands at 10.25 inches. That kind of size is worth taking a flyer on. As a rookie, Roemer could compete for a backup role behind starters Taylor Moton and Daryl Williams.
