Round 6: Zach Tom
The Panthers have already managed to find a franchise left tackle and potential impact guy at guard in this mock draft. It’s only natural they round out their efforts with an underrated center prospect in Round 6.
Tom played at left tackle last season for Wake Forest which showed his quick feet in pass blocking sets. He’s not a mauler at the point of attack but he understands how to use leverage to create lanes for inside runs. His physical profile won’t wow scouts but his tapes should. He could beat out Pat Eflein for a starting spot early in his rookie season.
Round 7: Vederian Lowe
Lowe played a lot of football during his career at Illinois and brings above-average maturity to the NFL as a father of two. His best bet is to work his rear end off to try to carve out a role as a swing tackle early in his pro career. He isn’t quick enough to be a starter on the left and he lacks ideal power for the right. Versatility is the key to Lowe’s NFL future.
That’s a quality the Panthers need to add up front. Too many of their backups last season could only play one position. Lowe can balance the room a bit if Carolina nabs him in Round 7.