Round 1 Pick 8: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
This would be a match made in heaven for the Panthers. There is a huge need at Tight End, and in this case the Panthers are landing one of the best pass catching Tight ends that have come out of the draft in the last decade. He is a TE/WR hybrid that can add so many different options to the Panthers passing attack. On tape he shows that blocking can be an issue at times, however his athleticism is a matchup nightmare for any team in the passing game. Landing the 3rd best player in this draft class is nothing to be ashamed at with the 8th overall pick in the draft.
Round 2 Pick 40: Landon Dickerson, Center, Alabama
A North Carolina product gets to come home in the second round pick for the Panthers. This would be a High Risk/High Reward pick for Scott Fitterer, but I think the Reward outweighs the risk. Dickerson is a first round talent with his ability to maul people, pass protect effectively, and his incredibly high football IQ. However, he has faced a ton of injury issues in college. Dickerson has the ability to become a long time Pro Bowl player IF he can stay healthy.
Round 3 Pick 72: Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
With the first defensive pick of the draft so far, the Panthers decide to go with Newsome, a strong and physical Corner from Northwestern. Newsome has great press skills and the ability to tackle in space, which is a huge need for the team. The only downside to Newsome’s game is his skills in getting to coverages at time, but otherwise I think this would be a great pick up for the Panthers, especially in Round 3.
Round 4 Pick 113: Trey Smith, Guard, Tennessee:
Volunteer football has struggled over the last decade, but has shown spurts of talent at time. Enter Trey Smith, an incredibly skilled offensive guard, who was DOMINANT at the Senior Bowl (I am sure Rhule noticed) and throughout his senior year at Tennessee. He struggles in space and with quick defenders at times, but playing guard helps shield him from some of that speed. The value of landing Smith in Round 4 would be incredible for the Panthers and could potentially guarantee a dominant interior offensive line for years to come.
Round 5 Pick 151: Kellen Mond, QB, Texas A&M:
Value, value, value. Some might not be happy with the Panthers picking a QB this late in the draft, but I think this is a Low Risk/High Reward Pick. Mond has all the physical qualities in a QB that simply cannot be coached (speed & arm strength). Where he does lack is in his decision making and progressing through his reads on time. With the proper coaching Mond could eventually develop into a promising starter in the league and could be an X factor leading into the ’21 season
Round 6 Pick 193: Tamorrion Terry, WR, FSU:
The receiver depth chart is looking a little thin after the first half of free agency. To combat that the Panthers get a raw talent at receiver from Florida State. Terry is big and explosive, and owns the FSU record for most 70+ yard touchdowns. He lacks some route running talent, but adding this size at receiver could help open up the middle of the field for DJ Moore this season.
Round 6 Pick 222: Demetrius Taylor, Edge, App State:
Taylor doesn’t have to travel far to his new NFL Home. Taylor was a force at App State over the last 2 years recording 13 sacks and 26 Tackles for loss. He is a strong player who loves to bullrush his way to the quarterback. If Taylor can work on his speed and add a few more moves to his pass rush, he could develop into a great rotational player on the Defensive line in the coming season.
Round 6 Pick 226: Ta’Quon Graham, DL, Texas:
With the last pick in the draft the Panthers grab Graham, who was a productive player during his time with the Longhorns. Graham is a talented late round grab who could aid in adding another piece to the interior of the Defensive line. Much like Taylor, he will need to add more of a speed component to his skillset to be productive in the NFL.
Summary: All in all, I give myself a B for this Mock draft. The Panthers add some talented pieces that help fill some big gaps, but don’t get too many “sexy” picks, other than Pitts. The debate will most likely be between Trey Pitts or a Quarterback at Pick 8 this year, and I think it’s hard to not go with Pitts given his raw athletic ability.
