2017 NFL Draft: Carolina Panthers 7-round mock
By John Buhler
Second Round
Obi Melifonwu
Safety, UConn Huskies
Carolina has two second round picks, their own at No. 40 and the No. 64 overall selection coming their way from the Kony Ealy deal with the New England Patriots. If he is still available at No. 40, Carolina needs to get a potential star at safety and draft Obi Melifonwu out of UConn.
Melifonwu dominated in the 2017 Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile with his rangy, hard-hitting style. He more than impressed at the 2017 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. It will be up to head coach Ron Rivera how to best feature Melifonwu in his defense, but putting him out there day one makes Carolina’s secondary instantly better.
Chris Godwin
Wide Receiver, Penn State Nittany Lions
With most of the best players in the draft out of the Big Ten hailing from either Michigan or Ohio State, let’s not overlook a great wide receiver out of Penn State in Chris Godwin. A strong combine and pro day should have Godwin off the boards before the third round.
Carolina lost vertical threat Ted Ginn Jr. to the rival New Orleans Saints. Though Kelvin Benjamin and tight end Greg Olsen are strong in possession receiving, they can’t do it alone in the Carolina passing game. Godwin could be impactful for the Panthers in their quest to get more versatile through the air on offense.