Carolina Panthers full 2018 NFL mock draft

Round 5 – Pick 161

Rashaan Gaulden, S, Tennessee

As previously stated, the secondary in Carolina needs some overhaul. The starting safeties are both 30 plus and neither is an above average starter in the league. There are safeties still available in free agency, and it would not be shocking to see the Panthers land one. However, the team would be wise to grab one of the most underrated prospects in the draft in the fifth round. Rashaan Gualden of Tennessee is best known for his “double gun salute” to Alabama fans, but he was the Volunteers best defender this season.

A jack of all trades in the secondary, Gaulden projects to a safety role in the NFL. He is a lesser version of Alabama’s Minkah Fitzpatrick, a likely top-15 pick. Gaulden’s bad combine and testing do not take away his exceptional tape. Any team that overlooks those poor testing numbers is going to get a playmaker in the secondary with starting ability.

Round 6 – Pick 197

Greg Senat, T, Wagner

Carolina has strong guard play, especially after drafting Braden Smith earlier in this mock. The tackle position still leaves a lot to desire. Starting tackles Matt Khalil and Daryl Williams are strong enough to hold down the spot but neither are elite. Khalil was a big free agent for the team but is average at best. The Panthers spent a second round pick on Taylor Moton with the idea that he can develop into the tackle of the future.

Adding another developmental tackle later in the draft is simply giving the team another chance that they get a starting caliber player. Greg Senat of Wagner comes from a small school but is no small man. Senat is 6-foot-8 and 305 pounds, a long and lean frame for a tackle. His athleticism shows, as he was a former basketball player in college. He will benefit from an NFL weight room and adding bulk and strength.

Round 7 – Pick 234

Dane Cruikshank, CB/S, Arizona

Another piece to a troubling secondary. The safety and corner position has been addressed, but there is still work that needs to be done. Dane Cruikshank of Arizona is similar to Rashaan Gaulden. Like the Tenneessee prospect, Cruikshank can play multiple positions in the NFL. HIs athletic testing surprised but his play style will fit as a big nickle in the NFL. There was never a player Cruikshank did not want to tackle.

The role at Arizona was perfect for him. He was constantly around the line of scrimmage and the football. If a team can develop him, he has the chance to be a contributor in nickle on run downs. His coverage skills are lacking but the traits are enough for him to find a home, at the very least as a special teams contributor.

Next: Best NFL player from each state

Round 7 – Pick 242

Quinton Flowers, QB, USF

Cam Newton is one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. He is also one of the most unique players in the league. Carolina’s offense relies heavily on his strengths as a runner and passer. The team has seen mixed results when Newton is out, mostly because the offense becomes a completely different unit. Finding a player who can be a bit of what Newton offers could help the team in a situation where Newton misses any time.

One of the few quarterbacks in the draft that can be that is USF’s Quinton Flowers. He was one of the country’s best quarterbacks and brings an interesting and heartbreaking story into the league. His best bet for making a team will likely be with a position change. Flowers is an exceptional athlete and mediocre quarterback. However if he was to back-up Newton he could use his athleticism and a quarterback friendly offense to be a sustainable back-up. It’s more of a dream pick but it could make some sense when broken down.