2019 NFL Draft: Carolina Panthers 7-round mock

Round 4: Terry McLaurin

Devin Funchess’ time in Carolina will almost certainly come to an end this offseason. The Panthers have done a nice job of acquiring weapons on the outside for Newton in recent drafts, but they still need one guy to take Funchess’ place on the roster.

The Panthers like what they currently have in Curtis Samuel, so it’s easy to see why they might go back to Ohio State for another wideout. McLaurin isn’t a burner like Samuel is, but he’s a more polished receiver at this stage in their respective careers.

Most draft analysts will assume Carolina has to find a big receiver who can dominate defensive backs in the red zone. We believe that’s a role the coaching staff thinks they can fill at tight end with Greg Olsen and the emerging Ian Thomas. In other words, the Panthers can feel comfortable taking whatever sort of receiver they like in the draft.

McLaurin is a guy who should be able to come in and contribute right away. He needs to work a little on his hands, but his route running is really accomplished for a rookie. That’s going to be music to offensive coordinator Norv Turner’s ears. Adding McLaurin to D.J. Moore and Samuel would give the Panthers three very different weapons to build around on the outside.