2019 NFL Draft: 5 players Panthers could take in Round 1

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 9, 2018: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers gestures toward an official in the fourth quarter of a game against the Cleveland Browns on December 9, 2018 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won 26-20. (Photo by: 2018 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /

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GAINESVILLE, FL – OCTOBER 06: LSU Tigers cornerback Greedy Williams (29) defends during the game between the LSU Tigers and the Florida Gators on October 6, 2018 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field in Gainesville, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Greedy Williams

The former LSU cornerback entered the pre-draft process as a consensus top-10 pick. Questions over his technique and interest in tackling have caused his stock to take a serious drop. The Panthers might decide that his rare combination of size and speed is too much to pass up in the first round.

Remember, the Panthers plucked Donte Jackson out of Baton Rouge last year and he earned a consistent place in Rivera’s starting lineup. Don’t be surprised if he tries to lobby for his former teammate to join him in Charlotte.

If Williams does come to Carolina and establish himself as a starter, he might actually supplant Jackson as the starter on the outside. Williams’ size makes him an ideal defensive back to combat the biggest receivers in the league. Jackson’s lack of stature, but brilliant speed sets him up to be an immensely valuable nickel corner.

It’s easy to get caught up in the things William doesn’t do well, but the fact is 6-foot-2 cornerbacks who run 4.37 40-yard dashes at the Combine are very rare. Look for him to hear his name called somewhere in the middle of Round 1.

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