NFL Mock Draft 2013: Carolina Panthers Select…

This selection was made by Josh Hill of FanSided.com

Carolina Panthers Select Sheldon Richardson, DT/Missouri

Carolina would have loved it if Star Lotutlelei fell to them here, but settling for Sheldon Richardson — well it’s hardly settling at all. Richardson provides the Panthers with exactly what they need: a massive defender to plug the middle of their defensive front. In a division where you play Doug Martin, Steven Jackson and the cluster of Saints runners, it’s essential to be able to stop the run. Carolina is putting together a fine team, but it needs to be rounded. Richardson can provide a defensive presence that has been lacking in Carolina and might end up saving some jobs along the way.

Here is how the draft currently stands:

1. Kansas City Chiefs — Eric Fisher, offensive tackle, Central Michigan
2. Jacksonville Jaguars — Dion Jordan, defensive end, Oregon
3. Oakland Raiders — Sharrif Floyd, defensive tackle, Florida
4. Philadelphia Eagles — Luke Joeckel, offensive tackle, Texas A&M
5. Detroit Lions — Ezekiel Ansah, defensive end, BYU
6. Cleveland Browns — Dee Milliner, cornerback, Alabama
7. Arizona Cardinals — Lane Johnson, offensive tackle, Oklahoma
8. Buffalo Bills —  Chance Warmack, guard, Alabama
9. New York Jets — Jarvis Jones, linebacker, Georgia
10. Tennessee Titans — Jonathan Cooper, guard, North Carolina
11. San Diego Chargers —  Star Lotulelei, defensive tackle, Utah
12. Miami Dolphins —  Xavier Rhodes, cornerback, Florida State
13. New York Jets (via Tampa Bay) — Tavon Austin, wide receiver, West Virginia
14. Carolina Panthers — Sheldon Richardson, defensive tackle, Missouri