Fansided

2018 NFL Mock Draft: With Jets win, QB no longer guaranteed

By Brad Weiss

BERKELEY, CA - SEPTEMBER 23: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans passes against the California Golden Bears during the second quarter at California Memorial Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Berkeley, California. The USC Trojans defeated the California Golden Bears 30-20. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
BERKELEY, CA - SEPTEMBER 23: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans passes against the California Golden Bears during the second quarter at California Memorial Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Berkeley, California. The USC Trojans defeated the California Golden Bears 30-20. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
16 of 32
Next
STARKVILLE, MS – NOVEMBER 19: Mississippi State Bulldogs offensive lineman Martinas Rankin (55) during the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Mississippi State Bulldogs on November 19, 2016. Arkansas defeated Mississippi State by the score of 58-42 at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, MS. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS – NOVEMBER 19: Mississippi State Bulldogs offensive lineman Martinas Rankin (55) during the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Mississippi State Bulldogs on November 19, 2016. Arkansas defeated Mississippi State by the score of 58-42 at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, MS. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
16

Martinas Rankin

Offensive Tackle, Mississippi State

The Carolina Panthers are once again playing inconsistent football this season, and they may have lost one of their top weapons for the second week in a row. After losing tight end Greg Olsen in Week 2, top wideout Kelvin Benjamin was injured last weekend, which means more of the load goes on Cam Newton’s shoulders. The Panthers were supposed to get back to their winning ways in 2017, but that looks like a tall order with the injuries they are dealing with.

For years, Newton has been beat up by the opposition, despite the fact that he has dominated at times. He has taken way too many hits, and Father Time waits for no man. They need to make sure they bring in some talent along the offensive line in next April’s NFL Draft, and Martinas Rankin from Mississippi State might be able to stay on the left side of the line at the next level.

Rankin is a big man, and would give the Panthers a new anchor along their offensive line. The team brought in running back Christian McCaffrey with their first round pick in 2017, and he needs to have a solid line in front of him. The pieces are in place for this team to be good for a long time, but the injuries are starting to mount, and nobody knows how many elite seasons Newton has left in him.

Home/NFL Mock Draft