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The Carolina Panthers are coming off of an amazing 2015 season that ended in extreme disappointment. Ron Rivera‘s team was able to go 15-1 in the regular season, win the NFC South and represented the NFC in the Super Bowl before losing to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50.
In order to win Super Bowl 51, the Panthers will need to add pieces through free agency and the draft. Here is a full seven-round mock draft I recently completed for the Panthers using Fanspeak.com’s mock draft simulator.
Round 1, No. 30: DT Sheldon Rankins, Louisville
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 1, No. 30: DT Sheldon Rankins, Louisville
The Panthers already have Kawann Short and Star Lotulelei entrenched as the starters at defensive tackle, but both only have one year left on their deals. Drafting Rankins would allow the Panthers to let one of those guys walk after next season.
Round 2, No. 62 Overall: TE Hunter Henry, Arkansas
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 2, No. 62 Overall: TE Hunter Henry, Arkansas
There's no way that Henry's available at this spot in the real draft, but the Panthers would definitely pounce if he happens to be. It would be the perfect time for the team to draft Greg Olsen's heir apparent while also adding another receiver.
Round 3, No. 94 Overall: WR Josh Doctson, TCU
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 3, No. 94 Overall: WR Josh Doctson, TCU
While this certainly doesn't fit a need for the Panthers with Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess around, Doctson's value is too good to pass up. Dave Gettleman has always been a best player available guy and could grab another receiver in April.
Round 4, No. 130 Overall: CB Eric Murray, Minnesota
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 4, No. 130 Overall: CB Eric Murray, Minnesota
I know I just said that Gettleman uses a BPA approach to the draft, but the secondary has to be addressed at some point. Outside of Josh Norman and Kurt Coleman, there are way too many question marks for the unit.
Round 5, No. 168 Overall: DE Anthony Zettel, Penn State
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 5, No. 168 Overall: DE Anthony Zettel, Penn State
There is no doubt in my mind that Gettleman will add at least one pass rusher in this draft, likely two. Kony Ealy is developing into a star, but Jared Allen and Charles Johnson could both be gone next season.
Round 6: Traded To Chicago For Jared Allen
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 6: Traded To Chicago For Jared Allen
When the Panthers lost defensive end Charles Johnson for eight weeks in 2015, Gettleman went out and got Allen from the Bears for a sixth-round pick. It was great value at the time and helped the Panthers reach the Super Bowl.
Round 7, No. 250 Overall: S Kodi Whitfield, Stanford
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 7, No. 250 Overall: S Kodi Whitfield, Stanford
As I mentioned earlier, the Panthers need some help in the secondary and Whitfield was the best available safety left on the board.
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