The Panthers will have a tough decision to make with the No. 16 pick on Thursday night.
This time next weekend, the Carolina Panthers will have new additions to their roster. The real question is who will Ron Rivera decide to choose in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday? It’s been said for months that the most crucial points for the Panthers to address are the pass rush and the offensive line.
In Dan Kadar’s latest mock draft for SB Nation, he has a standout offensive tackle pegged for the No. 16 pick for the Panthers.
16. Carolina Panthers: Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
Offseason needs: Edge defender, offensive tackle, safety, guard
With the best pass rushers off the board, the Panthers could shift their focus to protecting Cam Newton. Right tackle Daryl Williams was brought back on a one-year prove it deal as he returns from injury. If he plays well, he could price himself out of town next offseason. Taylor is an easy replacement.
My take
Whether it’s an edge rusher or at pass protection, the Panthers’ can’t really go wrong if they choose to focus on one of those two areas. Taylor not only has size on his side, but he’s also quick on his feet. He does what’s needed to keep opponents out of the pocket. While he needs work on the pass rush, he’ll have an instant impact.
What others are saying
Ben Standig with NBC Sports also agrees that the Panthers will focus on an offensive tackle, but will go after another prospect.
16. Carolina Panthers: Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
Outside linebacker became an issue with free agent Thomas Davis moving. There’s also a need for a greater pass rush and offensive line help. Williams may shift inside or take aim at the right tackle job.
Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports believes Carolina will address the issues on the other side of the ball.
16. Carolina Panthers, Brian Burns, DE, Florida State
Carolina benefits from the deep edge-rushing class and finds an enticing replacement for Julius Peppers, not to mention the younger brother of former Panthers DE Stanley McClover.
Walter Football disagrees with the Burns choice and predicts Matt Hurney will want a guard.
16. Carolina Panthers: Cody Ford, G/OT, Oklahoma
Everyone seemingly has Brian Burns slotted here, but I’m not sure Burns will make it to Carolina’s pick. Plus, I think they’d prioritize addressing the offensive line if the blocker of their choosing is available. They must do everything in their power to protect Cam Newton, whose career could be cut short if he keeps suffering shoulder injuries.
Pick change; previously Brian Burns, DE/OLB
Sporting News likes another tackle for the Panthers.
16. Carolina Panthers: Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
Dillard backed up a big week of Senior Bowl practices with an impressive Combine performance. His athleticism was on full display to prove that, at 6-5, 315 pounds, he is the smoothest pass protector in this class. With the edge-rushers not lining up for the Panthers in this slot, they instead can go for someone who will keep those guys away from Cam Newton and his recovering shoulder.
What do you think, Panthers fans? Which pick do you like the most?
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