A couple weeks ago, we used a best player available approach to our seven-round Panthers 2019 mock draft. That netted LSU linebacker Devin White in the first round and D.K. Metcalf in the second.
This time around, we mixed things up by going the opposite direction and picking only based on need. Without paying any attention to overall rankings or the idea of reaching for a prospect, we addressed as many roster holes as possible in this simulation. Here’s how things played out for Carolina using the Draft Network’s predictive board.
Round 1 pick 16: Florida S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
With Mike Adams moving on, the Panthers have a powerful need for another safety to pair with Eric Reid, all due respect to Da’Norris Searcy and Rashaan Gaulden. Picking a solid safety prospect like Gardner-Johnson (5-foot-11, 210 pounds) would give Carolina a quality starting combination in the defensive backfield for at least the next three years. He can match up one-on-one with tight ends in coverage or play the high safety equally well.
Round 2 pick 47: Michigan EDGE Chase Winovich
Passing on edge in round one might not be a popular move, but the Panthers can get away with it by landing a talent like Winovich in the second. Winovich (6-foot-3, 255 pounds) is solid both rushing the passer and stopping the run. Over the last three years, he’s posted 18.5 sacks. He also led the Big Ten conference with 19 tackles for a loss in 2017. With Winovich in the mix, the transition away from Julius Peppers could go much smoother.
Round 3 pick 77: Ole Miss OT Greg Little
Ever since Jordan Gross retired, Carolina has had a difficult time filling the left tackle position. Taylor Moton might be the best option on the roster, but bringing in another promising tackle will be essential for the team’s depth and overall outlook. Little has excellent technique for a college prospect and at 6-foot-6, 325 pounds he also has the requisite size to play tackle in the pros.
Round 3 pick 100: Iowa State RB David Montgomery
Bringing Cameron Artis-Payne back for another year brought out a lot of understandable moaning from Panthers fans. Artis-Payne has had his moments but Carolina could use an upgrade at backup running back as long as they’re not going to try to re-sign C.J. Anderson. Montgomery (5-foot-11, 216 pounds) would offer a nice change of pace from Christian McCaffrey’s game. He rushed for 24 touchdowns over the last two seasons.
Round 4 pick 115: Oregon WR Dillon Mitchell
Devin Funchess could do well for himself with Andrew Luck in Indy. The Panthers probably won’t miss him much, but they still could stand to add more size at wide receiver. Torrey Smith is the only six-footer currently on the roster. Mitchell (6-foot-2, 189 pounds) caught 10 touchdowns last season to go with 1,184 receiving yards, a school record for Oregon.
Round 5 pick 154: Alabama IDL Isaiah Buggs
The Panthers want to re-sign veteran defensive tackle Kyle Love, but if he signs with another team they’ll have to bring in another interior defender to backup Kawann Short and Dontari Poe. That’s where Buggs (6-foot-5, 286 pounds) would come in. Last season, he put up 9.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for a loss at Alabama.
Round 6 pick 187: Clemson CB Mark Fields II
Finally, the Panthers have a big hole to fill at nickel cornerback with Captain Munnerlyn out of the picture. Corn Elder and Rashaan Gaulden will apparently get a shot, but they’ll need to add to the talent pool. The son of a former Panthers linebacker by the same name, Fields (5-foot-11, 180 pounds) has the ability to play outside or in the slot.
