With the Panthers addressing the offensive line in free agency by bringing in center Matt Paradis and re-signing tackle Daryl Williams, there’s a good chance defense will be the focal point of the 2019 NFL draft. So why not experiment with an all-defense seven-round mock draft? Let’s get started.
No. 16: Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware
With Eric Reid back in the mix, the Panthers need to work on finding his new running mate on the field to replace Mike Adams. The athletic ability of Adderley would fit quite well next to Reid. It would allow Carolina to have some more flexibility in how they utilize their safeties and possibly move last year’s third-round pick Rashaan Gaulden to slot cornerback, which is also a significant roster need.
No. 47: Jaylon Ferguson, Edge, Louisiana Tech
The first-round buzz may have worn off of Ferguson, but the Panthers should be happy to land this kind of production in the second round. Obviously the issue is Ferguson being convicted of simple battery as a freshman, which led to him being uninvited to the Scouting Combine, but he should still come off the board on day two because of his ability to get after the quarterback. With Julius Peppers retiring, it’s more important than ever to draft an edge.
No. 77: Renell Wren, DT, Arizona State
Life after Dontari Poe could be a much smoother transition if they draft Wren, who is simply an amazing athlete for a football player of his size. He can flip between the interior positions, depending on whether the Panthers are running a 3-4 or a 4-3 defensive scheme.
No. 100: Sean Bunting, CB, Central Michigan
Bunting has been well-touted for his zone coverage skills, which are perfect for the Panthers’ scheme. James Bradberry didn’t have a bad 2018, but he could use a fire lit under him to help him reach the level of a true consistent pro starter.
No. 115: Germaine Pratt, LB, North Carolina State
The Panthers need to add linebacker depth with a few old faces gone. Ben Jacobs is now an assistant coach, David Mayo is with the 49ers and Thomas Davis is with the Chargers. Pratt is a very fine option in the middle rounds, who is coming off a 104-tackle season for the Wolfpack. Pratt is also a former safety, which could also come in handy. He would be a solid backup linebacker and core special teams piece for the Panthers.
No. 154: Sheldrick Redwine, S, Miami (FL)
Redwine is a solid tackler with good size and it makes sense to grab another safety to get as many bodies as possible to add to a weak depth chart. Redwine’s skill-set seems to match up to Reid’s pretty well. He’s a heavy hitter and more of a box safety. He can learn a lot from Reid and serve as his main backup.
No. 187: Austin Bryant, Edge, Clemson
The buzz is really quieting on Bryant, a prospect who was once considered a possible top-100 pick. Still, taking a late-round flyer on Bryant is a potential low-risk, high-reward move. Bryant posted 17 sacks and 30.5 tackles for a loss over his last two seasons in Clemson.
