2018 NFL mock draft: Baker Mayfield heads to Jets

The Carolina Panthers made it back to the playoffs after a year off, as they entered the postseason as a Wild Card team. Quarterback Cam Newton was back to being a star player, after dealing with a handful of injuries during the 2016 campaign. First round draft pick Christian McCaffrey also proved himself to be as good as advertised, adding a much-needed weapon to the Panthers arsenal on offense

The issue for the last couple of seasons has been the hits Newton has had to take. He is a big quarterback, and likes to run the ball too much at times. This leads to him putting himself in a position to get injured. If the Panthers want him to be the answer at the position for the next five-to-ten years, they need to do a better job of putting big lineman in front of him.

Kolton Miller has been a stud for UCLA at left tackle, and helped protect the blindside of possible first overall pick Josh Rosen during his time with the Bruins. Miller has the size and strength to stay on the left side at the next level, and the more people you can put in front of Newton on the offensive line the better. This team has the talent to stay a playoff team for the next few years, and keeping Newton upright will go a long way in making sure that happens.