Panthers strengthen offense in ESPN’s 7-round mock draft
This past week, ESPN NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid did the Lord’s work and mapped out an entire seven-round mock. And if his projections for the Carolina Panthers are anywhere close to actually what happens, there should be plenty of happy campers in Charlotte.
Here’s who Reid has the Panthers coming away with later this month.
First overall (First round): C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
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Not much of a shock here, as Reid sends Stroud—the perceived clubhouse leader for the pick—to a very happy head coach in Frank Reich.
The Panthers were aggressive in trading up from No. 9, and it’s clear they have an eye on their top target. They desperately need a franchise quarterback. Stroud could be that player. History has shown new coach Frank Reich has preferred to work with bigger quarterbacks, and the 6-foot-3 Stroud meets a lot of the traits he has worked with in previous stops. The 5-10 Bryce Young is in play, of course, but Reich’s history points toward Stroud.
39th overall (Second round): Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
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Next, the Panthers get a local steal in Downs—who is easily amongst the most skilled route runners of the class.
If Carolina is going to take a quarterback at No. 1, it needs to add playmakers around him. My comp for Downs is Tyler Lockett. Downs has the potential to be a flexible secondary option from the slot as well as on the outside. He had 195 catches for 2,364 yards and 19 touchdowns over the past two seasons.
93rd overall (Third round): Andre Carter, DE, Army
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Reid takes a break from the offensively scheduled programming with a lengthy defensive lineman to add to the new 3-4 base.
Carter could land in an ideal spot in Carolina. He will have a chance to grow with the other young defensive players to add strength and mass to his 6-6 frame, while spending time primarily as a designated pass-rusher early in his career. After racking up 15.5 sacks in 2021, Carter had just three last season.
Fourth to fifth rounds
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114th overall (Fourth round): Henry To’o To’o, LB, Alabama
132nd overall (Fourth round): Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
145th overall (Fifth round): Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
Carolina gets more notable firepower while filling out a few needs, even in these later rounds.
To’o To’o adds some much needed bulk to what’s been a very light linebacking group, Boutte gives the offense a YAC specialist and Williams—who would’ve been gone much earlier if not for an ACL injury—provides promising depth behind starters Jaycee Horn and Donte Jackson.
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