Advertisement

Carolina Panthers, NFL Mock Draft 2017: Predicting picks in rounds 1-7

By Howard Balzer, NFLDraftScout.com
LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) picks up 3 yards in the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La. November 5, 2016. Fournette could be selected by the Panthers in the 2017 NFL Draft to boost the Carolina running game. File photo by AJ Sisco/UPI
LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) picks up 3 yards in the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La. November 5, 2016. Fournette could be selected by the Panthers in the 2017 NFL Draft to boost the Carolina running game. File photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo

The Carolina Panthers have eight picks in the NFL Draft, including No. 8 in the first round April 27 in Philadelphia.

Super Bowl euphoria, even though it was a loss in the 2015 season, was followed by a fall from grace and a season where much went wrong. Notable was a disappointing performance from quarterback Cam Newton, who wasn't able to continue his rise from a MVP season. Injuries were a factor, but Newton will be under the microscope to turn things back in a better direction.

Advertisement

While running back Jonathan Stewart was signed to a new contract in the offseason, he has had injury questions since 2015 and his absence for much of the Super Bowl contributed to the loss. The Panthers need to get younger and more productive in the ground game to supplement Newton's skills.

Advertisement

There remains a strong foundation, and a healthy middle linebacker Luke Kuechly will be important as the Panthers will have the ability with a high pick in the first round to add to their talent.

Here is a look at the Panthers' five-year draft record with roster tallies reflecting totals as of the end of the 2016 season. Below that are key personnel moves made this year and the team's current needs heading into this draft and our projection for all their 2017 picks.

FIVE-YEAR DRAFT BREAKDOWN

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 . .2013 . .2014 . .2015 . .2016

TOTAL PICKS . . . .7 . . . . . .5 . . . . .6 . . . . .5 . . . .5

STARTERS . . . . . .1 . . . . . .2 . . . . .3 . . . . .1 . . . .2

BACKUPS . . . . . .0 . . . . . .1 . . . . .1 . . . . .4 . . . .2

OTHER TEAMS . . .2 . . . . .1 . . . . .2 . . . . .0 . . . .1

Advertisement

OUT OF LEAGUE . .4 . . . . .1 . . . . .0 . . . . .0 . . .0

Top three draft needs

1. Running back: With the Panthers planning to take quarterback Cam Newton out of the run game, they need more than just the 30-year-old Jonathan Stewart in their backfield.

2. Tackle: Even after giving left tackle Matt Kalil big money, the Panthers' tackle situation isn't ideal. Michael Oher will slide to the right side, as long as he's cleared from a concussion that cost him 13 games in 2016.

3. Defensive end: If this were 2012, pairing Julius Peppers with Charles Johnson would be a great start. But it's 2017, and the Panthers need to plan for their future pass rush.

MOCK DRAFT

Below is a list of every pick for the Panthers in the 2017 NFL Draft, with players suggested by NFLDraftScout.com Sr. Analyst Dane Brugler. Who would you take? Let us know in comments.

Round and overall pick number listed, along with player, position, school, height, weight and 40-yard dash time. (* - indicates compensatory pick)

Advertisement

1/8: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU (6-0, 228, 4.51)

2/40: Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan (6-6, 277, 4.85)

2/64: Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina (6-2, 201, 4.45)

3/*98: Roderick Johnson, OT, Florida State (6-7, 298, 4.89)

4/115: Michael Roberts, TE, Toledo (6-4, 270, 4.81)

5/152: Brian Allen, CB, Utah (6-3, 215, 4.43)

6/192: Montae Nicholson, S, Michigan State (6-2, 212, 4.42)

7/233: Freddie Stevenson, FB, Florida State (6-0, 234, 4.67)

Now it's your turn. NFLDraftScout.com is ready to help with its list of the top 1,000 prospects in this draft.

--Frank Cooney and TSX NFL team insiders contributed to this analysis.

Latest Headlines