Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers Three-Round 2017 NFL Mock Draft

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) and Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Avery Gennesy (65) in action during the game at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

It’s hard to pinpoint where things went wrong for the Carolina Panthers. Suffice to say the Super Bowl hangover is alive and well in 2015.

Nevertheless this is still a team with enough talent to get things shaped up for next year. They just need to have a good draft in order to shore up some thin areas. Their primary focus could be on defense where they’ve taken the biggest dip. A unit that was among the league best is suddenly mediocre and struggling for answers. Don’t be surprised if they take a home run swing in order to flip the script back their way.

1st Round

1

Derek Barnett

DE, Tennessee

Luckily this is the draft to do something about it as there are a host of quality pass rushers, most of which can play in a 4-3 system. Derek Barnett sits right near the top of the list. His 32 sacks at Tennessee tied the school record set by Reggie White. It’s a clear indication the young man understands how to get after the quarterback. He’s got size and strength to bull rush, but deceptive bend and speed to get around the edge too.

Oct 29, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns running back D

2nd Round

2

D'Onta Foreman

RB, Texas

That is precisely what D’Onta Foreman was about at Texas. He was the NCAA leading rusher in 2016, finishing with over 2,000 yards. A rare feat in college football. He’s a big, strong back who is a real nightmare to tackle. He knows how to shrugs off the first and second tacklers with consistent ease, forcing defenses to load the box trying to stop him. That will be what the Panthers want, as it opens up chances for Greg Olsen and Kelvin Benjamin down the field.

Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) talks with tackle Michael Oher (73) during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 at Levi

3rd Round

3

Julie'n Davenport

OT, Bucknell

Julie’n Davenport has become a sleeper in the scouting community. Despite playing for a small program at Bucknell, his size and athletic traits are creating a buzz. He has the definite look of an NFL left tackle. His pass protection is already solid and has room to improve. With more work with a top training staff, his ceiling is among the highest in the entire class. Taking a risk on him in the 3rd is worth it.

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