Fansided

NFL mock draft: SEC stars get moved around

By John Buhler

Dec 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers works out prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers works out prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Thomas Davis

Linebacker, Georgia Bulldogs

The Carolina Panthers improved in 2017 after a disappointing campaign the year before. It was an above-.500 campaign for the Panthers, but a questionable decision to go for it on fourth and short cost the Panthers a shot at the playoffs. Losing tiebreakers is never fun.

Carolina may have lost Cam Newton to the Cleveland Browns at No. 4, so that’s no fun. The Panthers could see if veteran Derek Anderson has anything left in the tank or pursue other options in free agency. Since Anderson is very comfortable in what offensive coordinator Mike Shula wants in the passing game, Carolina will give him a whirl in 2018.

However, don’t think for a second that the Panthers are letting a defensive leader like Thomas Davis out of the building. He could retire, but if he’s up for another year of NFL football, of course it will be for the only team he’s played for in Carolina.

Bringing him back is crucial, as it remains to be seen how other star inside linebacker Luke Kuechly overcomes his battle with concussions. Head coach Ron Rivera knows that he can lean on the ultimate gamer on his roster in Davis for another year while he and the Panthers staff try to figure out what to do at quarterback.

They’re treading water, but still haven’t quite made it back to the playoffs. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are now on the clock…

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