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2015 NFL Draft: Carolina Panthers’ Seven-Round Mock Draft, Mid-April Edition

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2015 NFL Draft: Carolina Panthers' Seven-Round Mock Draft, Mid-April Edition

Cam Newton Panthers — The Carolina Panthers are the two-time defending NFC South division champions, but that doesn't mean they are a team without needs. Defensively, the defensive line struggled to get pressure on the quarterback, and Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson torched the Panthers' secondary in the playoffs last year. Offensively, the Panthers need a left tackle, a wide receiver and a running back. Here is a seven-round mock draft for the Panthers.

The Carolina Panthers are the two-time defending NFC South division champions, but that doesn't mean they are a team without needs. Defensively, the defensive line struggled to get pressure on the quarterback, and Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson torched the Panthers' secondary in the playoffs last year. Offensively, the Panthers need a left tackle, a wide receiver and a running back. Here is a seven-round mock draft for the Panthers.

Round 1, No. 25 Overall: D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida

Round 1, No. 25 Overall: D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida

The Panthers are on the verge of investing an egregious amount of money into their franchise quarterback, Cam Newton. In order to protect that investment, the Panthers need to find a left tackle capable of keeping Newton's blindside clean. Humphries' athleticism and long arms would be the perfect fit for the Panthers' offense. He has a strong upper body, light feet and is considered to be one of the best pass-protectors in the draft.

Round 2, No. 57 Overall: Cody Prewitt, S, Ole Miss

Round 2, No. 57 Overall: Cody Prewitt, S, Ole Miss

The Panthers' current starting safeties are Tre Boston and Roman Harper. Boston looks like a steal in the fourth round of the 2014 draft, and will, hopefully, be a starter for years to come. Harper is now 32 years old, has lost more than a step and is entering the final year of his deal. Cody Prewitt would be the perfect replacement for Harper. He is a well-rounded safety who possesses a nose for the ball and plays the run extremely well.

Round 3, No. 89 Overall: Za'Darius Smith, DE, Kentucky

Round 3, No. 89 Overall: Za'Darius Smith, DE, Kentucky

After the suspension of Greg Hardy last season, the Panthers had a difficult time getting to the quarterback. They ranked tied for 13th in the NFL with 40 sacks, but no player had more than 8.5 (Charles Johnson). Za'Darius Smith would help out immensely in that department. All the analysts prefer his teammate, Bud Dupree, over Smith, but from the tape I've watched, Smith stood out more than Dupree. He could be a steal in the third round.

Round 4, No. 124 Overall: Kevin White, CB, TCU

Round 4, No. 124 Overall: Kevin White, CB, TCU

The "other" Kevin White in this draft hails from TCU, and he shut down the projected top 10 pick, wide receiver Kevin White, in their matchup in Morgantown last season. The TCU corner held the Mountaineers' receiver to three catches for 28 yards in a TCU win, despite giving up six inches in height. His lack of size is erased by his heart and competitiveness. White doesn't care if his opponent is bigger -- his mindset is that he's better.

Round 5, No.161 Overall: Jake Ryan, OLB, Michigan

Round 5, No.161 Overall: Jake Ryan, OLB, Michigan

The Panthers possess one of the NFL's best linebacker corps, led by Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis. Over the past couple seasons, the Panthers have tried multiple players in that third starting role, in their 4-3 defensive scheme, and have yet to find a consistent starter. Enter Jake Ryan, who is a tremendous tackler, has good speed, makes good reads, and is a natural-born leader. Put Ryan next to Kuechly and Davis, and watch what happens.

Round 5, No. 169 Overall: Laurence Gibson, OT, Virginia Tech

Round 5, No. 169 Overall: Laurence Gibson, OT, Virginia Tech

Laurence Gibson got a surprise invite to the 2015 NFL Combine, and took advantage of his opportunity. Prior to the combine, he wasn't on many scouts' radars, and would've been lucky to get drafted. After a strong showing in Indianapolis, he is rising up draft boards. Gibson needs to work on his technique, but the Panthers' offensive line coach, John Matsko, is the best in the business, and could make Gibson one of the biggest steals of the draft.

Round 5, No. 174 Overall: Matt Jones, RB, Florida

Round 5, No. 174 Overall: Matt Jones, RB, Florida

The Panthers released their franchise leader in rushing yards, DeAngelo Williams, this offseason in a cap casualty move. Head coach Ron Rivera recently said that the team wants to add another running back to split carries with Jonathan Stewart. Matt Jones would fit in perfectly in the Panthers' offense. Jones is a downhill runner, who shows patience and is not afraid to run between the tackles. Stewart and Jones would be a nasty one-two punch.

Round 6, No. 200 Overall: Mario Alford, WR, West Virginia

Round 6, No. 200 Overall: Mario Alford, WR, West Virginia

With the attention that his teammate, Kevin White, received last season, Mario Alford was often overlooked by scouts and fans alike. Alford has speed to burn, as evidenced by his 4.27 40-yard dash at his pro day. He also possesses decent hands, and knows how to get open. He will need to work on his route-running a bit, but his blazing speed can't be taught, and the Panthers need a receiver that can blow the top off a defense.

Round 7, No. 242 Overall: Obum Gwacham, DE, Oregon State

Round 7, No. 242 Overall: Obum Gwacham, DE, Oregon State

Panthers general manager, Dave Gettleman, loves pass-rushers, and he doesn't believe there can be an over-abundance of them. Obum Gwacham is an athletic freak at defensive end, and has only been playing the position for one season after moving over from wide receiver. He is a bit of a project, and he needs to add some muscle to his frame, but with the proper teaching, Gwacham could be a late-round steal for the Panthers.

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Jason Fletcher is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.

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