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2019 NFL Mock Draft: Dexter Lawrence continues to rise

By Rucker Haringey

CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 2: Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence #90 of the Clemson Tigers #90 celebrates a tackle against the Kent State Golden Flashes on September 2, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 2: Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence #90 of the Clemson Tigers #90 celebrates a tackle against the Kent State Golden Flashes on September 2, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/Getty Images) /
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CHESTNUT HILL, MA – SEPTEMBER 08: Boston College defensive end Zach Allen (2) on the sideline during a game between the Boston College Eagles and the Holy Cross Crusaders on September 8, 2018, at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. The Eagles defeated the Crusaders 62-14. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA – SEPTEMBER 08: Boston College defensive end Zach Allen (2) on the sideline during a game between the Boston College Eagles and the Holy Cross Crusaders on September 8, 2018, at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. The Eagles defeated the Crusaders 62-14. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

player. 87. . Defensive End. Boston College. Zach Allen. 17

The last time the Panthers spent a first round pick on a Boston College defender it worked out pretty well. Zach Allen probably isn’t going to impact Carolina in the same way Luke Kuechly has, but he’s a terrific prospect in his own right.

Allen would give Ron Rivera a terrific successor for Julius Peppers. The Panthers have quality depth on the edge, but the group is starting to get a little long in the tooth. Allen could help Eric Washington’s defense now and later.

The Eagles’ defender doesn’t have Pro Bowl upside, but it’s hard to see a path where he doesn’t become a reliable starter for a significant period of time. That’s excellent value for a No. 17 selection. Some Panthers fans might want to see their team gamble on a little more upside, but Allen’s collegiate production is too good to pass up here.

The only thing that might change the Panthers’ minds here is if a top offensive tackle drops. In this scenario, the top three left tackles are all off the board. That’s why Carolina goes with a sure bet at defensive end.

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