The Panthers have the No. 16 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
There’s no denying the Carolina Panthers need to improve their pass rush. Once a staple of past great Carolina teams, the pass rush was a giant blemish throughout the 2018 season. Julius Peppers (who just turned 39) was due to become a free agent in March, but he announced his retirement beginning of February. The Panthers will need to address the absence of the Hall of Famer defensive end in the 2019 NFL Draft. Usually drafting a defensive end high in the draft is thought of as a risk. But considering the Panthers’ dire need and what they currently have on roster, there’s no question that Carolina needs to take advantage of the pool of talented defensive ends entering this year’s draft.
In Dan Kadar’s latest mock draft for SB Nation, he continues to project that the Panthers will address their need at the pass rush with the No. 16 overall pick.
Last week, Kadar predicted that Carolina would take Clelin Ferrell at No. 16. While Kadar still mocks the Panthers to take a defensive end at No. 16, this week it’s Montez Sweat.
16. Carolina Panthers: Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State
Whether it’s Sweat, Clelin Ferrell of Clemson, or Brian Burns of Florida State, the Panthers will have options at pass rusher with the 16th pick. Sweat has the length advantage over Ferrell and the strength advantage over Burns. The combination would be hard to pass up.
My take
Sweat is an interesting specimen. At the Senior Bowl, he measured at 6-foot-6 and 252 pounds. Yet, it was his wingspan that was even more impressive. With arms that measure across at 84.5 inches, he recorded the longest ever wingspan for an edge prospect since the NFL Combine’s information became public in 1999.
In his two years at Mississippi State, he recorded 30 tackles for loss and and 22.5 sacks. During the Senior Bowl, it was clear that his length was an advantage as he was able to surpass blockers. He also showed off his speed and strength.
On paper, he definitely seems like a legit pick. However, despite his mighty hand techniques and ability to defend the run, Sweat has his limitations on lateral mobility. His tight hips and upright stance allow him to be riddled in the pocket. He may be a liability if he’s depended on to create separation by changing direction quickly.
While he’s a combination of both developed skills and potential, he’s not quite a finished product. Do the Panthers really have time to teach Sweat the fundamentals on how to convert speed to power? Or are the Panthers better off drafting one of the other polished defensive ends?
from Cat Scratch Reader - All Posts http://bit.ly/2V0Soy0
No comments:
Post a Comment