2018 NFL Mock Draft: Josh Rosen heads to Broncos

By Brad Weiss | Mar 7, 2018

PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 26: Quarterback Josh Rosen #3 of the UCLA Bruins throws the football prior to the Cactus Bowl against Kansas State Wildcats at Chase Field on December 26, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Kansas State Wildcats won 35-17. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

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10 September 2016: Texas DE Charles Omenihu (left) and Will Hernandez battle at the line of scrimmage as Paul Boyette (right) tries to sneak by during 41 – 7 win over UTEP at Darrell K. Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, TX. (Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

87. . Offensive Guard. UTEP. Will Hernandez. 24. player

The Carolina Panthers finally made it back to the playoffs last season, after failing to make the postseason the year before. In 2015, the team made it all the way to the Super Bowl, though they were thrashed by the Denver Broncos. During the 2017 NFL Draft, Carolina went out and drafted Christian McCaffrey in the first round, and he will be asked to do more next season with Jonathan Stewart recently released.

McCaffrey was an incredible selection, and could be something special as the main running back in 2018. However, this team needs help up front, and they could find the kind of player they need this late in round one. Will Hernandez from UTEP is as special as they come when it comes to guard prospects, and the Panthers would benefit by bringing him on board.

The bottom line is the Panthers need to be better up front, especially in blocking for the likes of McCaffrey and quarterback Cam Newton. They have the talent on both sides of the ball to be a perennial playoff contender, but they play in arguably the best division in football. Spending a first round pick on a guard will go a long way in making sure the Panthers continue to be a playoff-caliber team for the foreseeable future.

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