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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ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 29: Clemson Tigers defensive end Clelin Ferrell (#99) warms up during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff Semifinal game between the Clemson Tigers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish on December 29, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Clelin Ferrell

Ferrell might be the player who’s been mocked to the Panthers most to date. In fairness, he matches up really well with what Rivera needs on defense. Most scouts believe he can walk in and start at defensive end in a 4-3 scheme right away.

The question is whether or not Carolina really wants to play in a 4-3 setup anymore. Part of the team’s decision to sign Irvin in free agency was based on his ability to play as a defensive end or outside linebacker. It’s clear the Panthers want to feature more multiple defensive looks in 2019.

Fortunately, Ferrell has the size to hold up against in the run in any sort of front. He isn’t going to blow plays up by knifing into the backfield, but he’s strong enough to hold the edge. The ability to keep him on the field on all downs might actually increase his value for the Panthers.

The question about Ferrell is whether or not he has enough pop to justify being selected this high. This is a deep class of defensive ends and there are a lot of players who will go later in the draft who can play good run defense and provide occasional sacks from the outside. It might make sense for Carolina to take a bigger swing at No. 16.

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