It feels like the day before Christmas in a lot of ways... the NFL DRAFT IS TOMORROW!
Much like many other people who love and cover this sport, I've done my fair share of mock drafts... 9 to be exact...
Funny enough, every time I do these mocks, names come in the later rounds that I really love for the Panthers. EVERY PICK COUNTS, especially on those late days. Sure, some of those guys might hit the practice squad and bounce around the league... and some of those guys end up being Brock Purdy.
Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
One watch of his tape and I fell in love. A big, physical receiver from a small program with great footwork and a massive stamp of approval. Steve Smith Sr. has gone out on a limb and said that Ted Hurst could be the biggest steal at WR in this draft.
Hard to argue, especially with the tape I've seen. Check out a breakdown I did of him below!
Chris McClellan, DT, Mizzou
The Panthers need interior line help more than I need a beer on a Friday night, and Chris McClellan would scratch that itch in a very interesting way. McClellan is a F-150 with a Ferrari engine: the size to intimidate you, but the quickness and finesse to slide by interior linemen with ease. If a team needs help in the later rounds, this could be the guy to go after.
Zane Durant, DT, Penn State
WHAT DO YOU MEAN A DEFENSIVE TACKLE RAN A 4.7 40 YARD DASH?!?!?!? Zane Durant will not be a name called early... hell, he might not even be a name called late. I'm talking 6th or 7th round, maybe undrafted. But whoever gives this guy a shot is gonna get a MOTOR. In my opinion, other than Sonny Styles, he had the best combine performance period.
A knock? He's undersized, but this is a guy who could shock you. Think Byron Murphy of the Seahawks... lots to prove, and lots of room to grow. HUGE upside here.
Kaden Wetjen, Specialist, Iowa
I've been very high on Iowa guys throughout my draft research. Gennings Dunker and Logan Jones are both standouts on the O-Line, but come Day 3, why not use a pick on one of the best return men we've seen in a decade?
Kaden Wetjen returned SIX punts for a TD last year, leading the NCAA. The way he sees the field is something special, which kind of leaves him open to a variety of roles on the offensive side of the ball.
Those late rounds will be filled with interesting prospects that could surprise you... who do you like???