Final Carolina Panthers Mock Draft

 14. Carolina Panthers – DT Star Lotulelei, Utah

About the Pick: Lotulelei was at one time considered the top player in this draft. Though he was sliding before the combine a concerning medical report has his stock very much up in the air. If it checks out alright, he should still go in the top 15 picks. At his best he can fit in any system, and could excel at either a 0, 1, 3 or 5 technique. He’s a very good run defender who also gets a good amount of pressure in the backfield on passing plays.

Steve’s Take: The Panthers defense has some really nice pieces, but they are lacking a true stud defensive tackle. A guy like Lotulelei could be great because he won’t allow quarterbacks to step up to avoid Johnson and Hardy rushing off the edge. A line that consists of Johnson, Hardy and Lotulelei should be a nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators, and represents the best defensive answer to stopping division rivals Matt Ryan and Drew Brees. As for the medical concerns surrounding Lotulelei, they appear to be a non-factor at this time.

44. Carolina Panthers- WR Quinton Patton, Louisiana Tech

108. Carolina Panthers- DT Bennie Logan, LSU

148. Carolina Panthers- CB Tharold Simon, LSU

182. Carolina Panthers- CB Johnny Adams, Michigan State