The Carolina Panthers are generally expected to pick a promising EDGE prospect at No. 16 overall in the 2019 NFL draft. There’s always the possibility that they’ll confound those expectations and take the best player available, but with such a serious need and a deep defensive line class, it’s hard to imagine them going in a different direction right now.
In our latest seven-round mock draft, we had the choice of two of the top players at the position: Montez Sweat from Mississippi State or Brian Burns out of Florida State. Here’s how the whole mock draft scenario played out, using the Draft Network’s predictive board.
Round 1 pick 16: DE Brian Burns – Florida State
Sweat’s measurables from the combine are undeniably alluring, but Burns gets the edge here because he’s more polished as a pass rusher and was generally more productive in college. He totaled eight more tackles for a loss, seven more pass breakups and six more forced fumbles during his time on the field. Burns’ speed and get-off should make him a disruptive force at the next level.
Round 2 pick 47: S Johnahan Abram – Mississippi State
After addressing the front line in the first round, the Panthers move to fix the back end of the defense in round two. Abram was first-team all-conference in 2017 and could immediately plug the hole next to Eric Reid. In 33 college games, Abram posted five sacks, 15.5 tackles for a loss, 10 pass breakups and two interceptions. His best pro comparison may be Atlanta’s heavy hitter Keanu Neal. A pure free safety might make a better choice to complement Reid, but it’s hard to pass on Abram’s tenacity.
Round 3 pick 77: OT David Edwards – Wisconsin
Offensive tackle remains a problem area even after the team brought back Daryl Williams on a one-year deal. At some point, the Panthers will have to pick one in this draft, and the earlier the better. Edwards measured in at 6-foot-6, 308 pounds at the combine with 33.375 inch arms and 9.75 inch hands. Edwards has some developing yet to do, but his length and strong anchor should make him a quality starter at right tackle in the NFL.
Round 3 pick 100: RB Damien Harris – Alabama
C.J. Anderson has landed another small one-year deal, this time with the Lions. That means Carolina has to find another backup for three-down back Christian McCaffrey, unless they really want to roll with Cameron Artis-Payne. Harris is one of this year’s most prolific running back prospects. Over his last two seasons at Alabama, Harris totaled 1,876 yards and 20 touchdowns on 285 carries.
Round 4 pick 115: TE Kahale Warring – San Diego State
Tight end may not seem like an immediate need, but Carolina has to prepare for life after Greg Olsen, possibly as soon as 2020. Warring is part of a deep class at the position and is considered a solid mid-round sleeper pick. His lack of experience could qualify as a nitpicking yellow flag – he only played 19 college games.
Round 5 pick 154: QB Brett Rypien – Boise State
Lack of depth behind Cam Newton was another issue for the Panthers last season. Rypien won’t wow anybody with his athleticism or arm strength, but he has a high football IQ as well as the kind of consistency that teams look for in a backup quarterback. He was named the Offensive Player of the Year for the Mountain West Conference after posting 3,705 yards and 30 touchdowns last season.
Round 6 pick 187: Notre Dame WR Miles Boykin
Friday’s signing of former Patriots receiver Chris Hogan makes it less likely that Carolina will pick a wide receiver at all. However, seeing Boykin still available this late was too good to resist. Boykin posted freakish numbers at the combine, showing off a 43.5-inch vertical and a 140-inch broad jump. That kind of athleticism in a 6-foot-4, 220 pound package is absolutely worth a late flyer.
