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The Carolina Panthers made some modest moves this offseason but then eventually decided to roll the dice on formers New York Jets QB Sam Darnold. Only time will tell if he has what it takes to be a starting-caliber quarterback in the NFL. Hopefully, running back Christian McCaffrey stays healthy all the way next season. Carolina has a bunch of holes in its roster and below are three options in the second round that can fix them.
Carolina Panthers Best Mock Picks: No. 39 Overall
1. Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
The days of Greg Olsen hauling in passes as a matchup nightmare for the Panthers feel so long ago. While Carolina has one of the better receiving corps in the league headlined by Robby Anderson and D. J. Moore, the tight end position could use an upgrade.
Unfortunately, there is a huge drop-off between Florida's Kyle Pitts and the rest in the position group, but Freiermuth projects to be a day one starter.
He has ideal size at 6'5, 251 pounds, very athletic, and possesses a great first step. Unlike many modern tight ends, who function primarily as oversized receivers, Freiermuth is a force in the run blocking game. He is a solid receiver, especially in making catches over the middle and in the end zone. He is a high-floor prospect but also has a high ceiling.
A common criticism of him was his limited production in college, but there have been several NFL stars, who had quiet collegiate careers only to explode at the professional level. The Panthers could find a 2nd round TE gem with the Penn State product.
2. Dillon Radunz, OT, NDSU
It would be wise to provide Darnold with protection and whoever will play under center in the future. The Panthers front office made moves for the offensive line like franchise tagging tackle Taylor Moton, but as a whole, the unit could use some more upside.
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Enter 6'6, 304 Radunz. He is a well-rounded prospect with a polished game and sound fundamentals. His technique is great and is equipped with a vice-like grip. Should the team not be able to retain Moton after next season, Radunz can take his spot and possibly make the transition to left tackle.
His frame is on the leaner side, but he would probably still move well even if he packed on some more weight. His pass protection is much better than his work in the run game.
3. Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky
Carolina's linebacker corps used to be deadly with Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis covering the majority of the field. Now the team has Shaq Thompson and offseason acquisition Denzel Perryman. Both deserve to be on the starting lineup, although having a freakishly athletic linebacker, who can cover would be a boon for the defense.
This is where Davis comes in. He possesses great length, which is especially useful in coverage situations and size at 6'3, 234 pounds. Davis has the sideline speed, expected of the position.
You would expect that with his physical tools that he would be more impactful in the run game, however, Davis does take a bit of time when diagnosing run plays. This can be solved with more reps at the next level and he will still be playing with Perryman, who is a thumper in rushing downs.
