Carolina Panthers 7-Round Mock Draft

Oct 11, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Will Redmond (2) and Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Justin Cox (9) celebrate after a reception during the game against the Auburn Tigers at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State Bulldogs defeated the Auburn Tigers 38-23. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 31, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA;Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney (center) prepares to lead his team onto the field prior to the first half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 6: Eric MacLain, OG, Clemson

Editor’s Note: Carolina traded its sixth-round conditional pick for Jared Allen, but for the purpose of this piece we have mocked up all seven rounds.

The Panthers have a tendency to look close to home for underrated talent and they’ll have an opportunity to make just that type of selection if they take Clemson left guard Eric MacLain.

MacLain started his career with the Tigers as a tight end, but made the switch to the offensive line while at Clemson and it’s paid off in a big way for both he and his team. It took him a couple of years to really master his craft, but he’s been a key cog of the record-setting Tiger offense this year.

The Panthers aren’t blessed with a ton of talent at the guard position and injuries have been a real issue along the offensive line for the team this season. Adding a talented, versatile interior lineman like MacLain to the mix could help the team by providing quality depth at multiple positions. In the sixth round, you aren’t necessarily looking for a starter. If you can pick a guy who sticks with the team and backs up multiple positions this late in the draft you’ve done quite well.

Next: Round 7

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