Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers: 5 Second Round Options in 2017 NFL Draft

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:09 p.m. ET

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With possession of two picks in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers are in position to land a pair of high impact players.

Following the somewhat surprising trade of defensive end Kony Ealy to the New England Patriots, the Carolina Panthers were able to turn their early third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft into the Patriots late second-rounder. On the surface, the move didn't make a ton of sense, but in digging deeper it comes off as a prudent acquisition of draft capital in preparation for the draft next month.

Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Ealy seemingly was never going to become the player he was in Super Bowl 50, a game in which he likely would have won MVP with a Panthers victory. His play was highly inconsistent, maddening at times, and following a season in which he produced all of seven quarterback pressures, the team decided it was time to cut ties.

In dealing a player that was likely at high risk of being released, general manager Dave Gettleman acquired pick No. 64, in addition to their earlier selection at 40th overall. With a historically deep draft class soon to join the NFL, the Panthers have the opportunity to add two talented and high impact players in the second round.

With a little over a month remaining, let's look at the possible prospects that could become Carolina Panthers on day two of the draft.

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5. Obi Melifonwu, SS – Connecticut

Following a blistering combine performance, arguably the best of any prospect at Indianapolis, Melifonwu turned from a mid-round sleeper into a borderline first-round selection. Testing in the 99th percentile on his broad jump and vertical jump, the 6-4, 224 pound strong safety also posted a 4.40 on his 40-yard dash.

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His overwhelming frame and freakish athleticism will surely make him a target for the size obsessed Panthers. With the signing of veteran Mike Adams in free agency, it would give Melifonwu the time to ease into his role, and make him an ideal pairing along side free safety Kurt Coleman.

As his combine performance would indicate, Melifonwu is exceptionally smooth for his size with the range desired of a NFL safety. An efficient player against the run, he shows direct tackling angles and does a good job of not getting caught up in traffic. With athletic ability off the charts, Melifonwu also possesses the agility and hip fluidity to become a chess piece in coverage.

With a decent chance of being taken before 40th overall, Melifonwu is among the more obvious choices if he finds his way into the early second round. The Panthers would jump at the opportunity to add their strong safety of the future.

4. Christian McCaffrey, RB – Stanford

After a prolific college career in which he produced over 5,000 yards from scrimmage, McCaffrey enters the draft as one of the most popular names and among the best running back prospects. His versatility will make him a coveted draft target by many teams, and the skill position needy Panthers are sure to be one.

Having sent head coach Ron Rivera to Stanford's pro day, the team has made no veiled attempts to express their interest in McCaffrey (along with teammate Solomon Thomas). The interest is easily understood, as the Panthers are a team in need of a young running back, talented slot receiver, and kick return specialist. These are roles that McCaffrey could not only fill, but excel early on in his career.

McCaffrey is a natural runner, with excellent agility and foot speed to easily avoid arm tacklers. He trusts his vision and is confident in his blocking, allowing him the space to explode into the second level. A mismatch as a pass catcher, he has the route running ability to kick out wide into the slot, with soft hands at the catch point.

While likely not possessing the bulk to become an every down runner, any team that can effectively create touches for McCaffrey will reap the rewards. After a season in which the Panthers were league low in running back receptions, McCaffrey may be the answer to multiple questions on the roster.

Oct 29, 2016; Greenville, NC, USA; East Carolina Pirates wide receiver Zay Jones (7) runs with the ball during the first quarter against Connecticut Huskies at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

3. Zay Jones, WR – East Carolina

With the need to add multiple offensive pieces, the team may look in state at talented wide receiver Zay Jones of East Carolina. It'd be difficult not to, as Jones departs ECU with the all-time FBS single-season reception record, with a staggering 158 catches his senior season.

Not just the product of his college system, Jones was one of the better performers at the Senior Bowl, and tested much better than expected in Indianapolis. Coming in at 6-2 and 201 pounds, Jones ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash, dispelling the idea that he was likely to become a slot receiver in the NFL.

A highly polished player, Jones displays some of the cleanest route running in his draft class, and has a fearlessness going across the middle or catching in tight windows. His measurables show up on contested catches, showing an excellent ability to track the ball and make acrobatic grabs at the catch point.

Jones would provide the Panthers a level of reliability and consistent separation they don't have anywhere on the roster. He may not replace the game-breaking aspect lost with the departure of Ted Ginn, but his ability to line up at all three receiver spots would quickly make him a favorite target for Cam Newton.

2. Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE – Villanova

The return of Julius Peppers coupled with the retention of pass rushers Charles Johnson and Mario Addision gave the Panthers a quality three-man rotation at the defensive end position. However, Dave Gettleman is known for his affinity with defensive line prospects, and he will almost assuredly inject some youth into the position group.

Enter Tanoh Kpassagnon of Villanova, one of the finer physical specimens to be found in the draft. Clocking in at 6-7 and 289 pounds, Kpassagnon certainly fits the big bodied requirements that the Panthers desire from their defensive ends. Not just desirable in terms of measurements, he produced 11 sacks his final year at Villanova, while graduating with a double major in finance and accounting.

Kpassagnon flashes the necessary first step and burst needed as an edge rusher in the NFL. When he can time this with his initial punch, he becomes almost unblockable for overmatched offensive tackles. Not deterred by the amount of double teams thrown his way, Kpassagnon has the motor to fight through them and not give up leverage.

Certainly still very raw in terms of pass rush moves and gaining full control of when to dial back his burst, Kpassagnon would be the perfect rotational end while learning the finer aspects of the position. With a defensive end group stocked with veteran leaders, the Panthers will value Kpassagnon's intelligence and may believe they can mold him how they see fit.

Oct 22, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Chris Godwin (12) reacts following his touchdown catch against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

1. Chris Godwin, WR – Penn State

Another prospect that did himself a ton of favors at the combine, Chris Godwin of Penn State is no longer viewed as the middle-round gem he once was. With the disappointing play of Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess, Godwin may prove to be a refinement of the skillset the team has expected from the previous two.

At 6-1, 209 pounds and posting a 4.42-second 40-yard dash, Godwin shows up on film with all the tools of a future No. 1 receiver. Already sporting a tapered frame with broad shoulders, Godwin is a master with his body control and ball tracking on contested catches. He displays the concentration and timing to beat defensive backs to the catch point, skills that Benjamin frustratingly seems to turn on and off at will.

Also nuanced against press coverage, Godwin possesses a variety of clean footwork to slip by cornerbacks. He shows raw, but also promising indications of dedication to his route running, looking his best on stop-and-go patterns.

While the need for a shifty slot wide receiver could be considered more pressing, the Panthers may opt to put aside prior draft missteps. With Godwin, the team could find their future No. 1 reciever, a player with third down reliability and necessary physical presence downfield.

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