With the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine done and free agency upon us, it’s about time for another mock draft. Free agency will help clear up needs for the draft somewhat but these mocks still give a decent idea of where players could find their value. In our latest seven-round mock, the Panthers pick two prospects from North Carolina State.
This simulation was conducted via The Draft Network and their Mock Draft Machine, using their Predictive Board. Here’s the results.
No. 16: Garrett Bradbury, OL, North Carolina State
If Bradbury is still on the board when the Panthers are on the clock in round one, it will not be a difficult decision. The need is obvious for their interior offensive line after Bradbury showcased his strength and athletic ability at the Combine. He would easily beat out Tyler Larsen for the starting center job to replace the retiring Ryan Kalil and not look back for quite some time.
No. 47: Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama
Adding a body to start next to Eric Reid looks to be one of Carolina’s goals this offseason. If they strike out in free agency, then targeting Thompson in the second round looks like a solid value. South Carolina’s Deebo Samuel was also a potential name for this selection but he went one pick before to Washington. Thompson is still a good add, so we might as well grab a good safety while the opportunity is there.
No. 77: Zach Allen, Edge, Boston College
With Julius Peppers retiring, Carolina has to get an edge rusher at some point. Here, it was time to grab a pass-rusher before that position dried up. He should fare well early as part of the Panthers’ edge rotation as he continues to develop, but there are plenty who are already raving about his hand usage. There was even some first-round buzz at one point on Allen, so to get him in the third may be a steal.
No. 100: Jakobi Meyers, WR, North Carolina State
The second Wolfpack pick comes at the end of round three with the versatile Jakobi Meyers. His ability to make plays both outside and inside would mesh quite well with the talents of D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel. Kelvin Harmon is the big stud from Raleigh, but Meyers caught 92 passes in 2018, a school single-season record.
No. 115: Daylon Mack, DT, Texas A&M
A beast on the interior, especially against the run, Mack could be the perfect long-term replacement in Carolina for Dontari Poe, likely beginning in the 2020 season. This would give the former Aggie a season to hone his craft and grow as a player before he’s fully unleashed as Kawann Short’s new stating running mate at defensive tackle.
No. 154: Max Scharping, OT, Northern Illinois
The offensive tackle position is starting to dry up, but luckily there is a find here in Scharping with a lot of potential still available in the fifth round. Matt Kalil’s cumbersome contract makes it likely he will be playing at least one more year in Carolina, which would give Scharping somewhat of a red-shirt year before he joins Taylor Moton as the bookend tackles in 2020. Scharping was very impressive during the Senior Bowl and has pro tackle size at 6-foot-6, 320 pounds.
No. 187: Brett Rypien, QB, Boise State
Rypien came into the combine already with some intrigue as a developmental QB option and showed he has a stronger arm than many had previously given him credit for. He could push Kyle Allen for the No. 2 role and could come in in a pinch should Cam Newton have to miss some time with his shoulder recovery. The worst-case scenario here is the Panthers get a solid No. 3 quarterback.
