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Carolina Panthers full 2019 NFL mock draft

By Rucker Haringey

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera speaks to the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on February 28, 2019 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera speaks to the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on February 28, 2019 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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OXFORD, MS – NOVEMBER 18: Mississippi Rebels tight end Dawson Knox (9) looks to avoid a Texas A&M Aggies defender after making a catch during the second quarter of a college football game on November 18, 2017, at Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium in Oxford, MS. (Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OXFORD, MS – NOVEMBER 18: Mississippi Rebels tight end Dawson Knox (9) looks to avoid a Texas A&M Aggies defender after making a catch during the second quarter of a college football game on November 18, 2017, at Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium in Oxford, MS. (Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Round 4: Dawson Knox

Greg Olsen is coming back for the Panthers this year, but he’s suffered major injuries in each of the last two seasons. Ian Thomas has a chance to be a really good NFL tight end, but every good professional offense needs two quality options at the position.

Knox wasn’t a hugely productive guy at Ole Miss, but he’s got all the measurables to emerge as a really good pass catching tight end in the NFL. He’s never going to develop into a dominant blocker, but he is a prospect who fan flex out into the slot and make plays down the field.

Newton could really benefit from having another receiver who can stretch the defense down the seam. Knox will need to add some functional weight to stand up to the pounding of the NFL, but he is a player who really likes to live in the weight room. That will endear him to Rivera in the pre-draft process.

This might be perceived a little bit of a luxury pick for a team trying to win now, but the Panthers are going to need to replace Olsen sooner, rather than later. Giving Knox a season or two to learn behind the prolific veteran could help him become a solid starter in time.

Next. Rounds 5-7. dark

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