Carolina Panthers 7-Round Mock Draft: Post-Combine Edition
It's officially mock draft season here at All Panthers on FanNation/SI. Once a week, we will release a new full, seven-round Carolina Panthers mock each week leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft.
With each mock, fellow publisher Schuyler Callian and I will alter the theme and rules. This mock is simple - pick the best player available with trades being off the table.
Let's get started!
Round 2, Pick 33: EDGE Darius Robinson, Missouri
If Robinson slips to the second round Dan Morgan may not sleep between Thursday and Friday due to his excitement. The first-year Carolina General Manager should run to the podium himself to turn in the card containing Robinson's name.
Carolina is in dire need of juice on defense. The oft-injured, but talented secondary was asked to cover for long stretches in 2023 due to the lack of disruptive pass rush. Robinson would immediately bring a spark to that unit.
The Missouri product has flown up draft boards since his season ended in January. Robinson dominated Senior Bowl practices and just wrapped up an impressive week at the NFL Combine. His ideal size (6'5", 285 pounds) combined with solid power and quickness make him a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen. His quote game is top notch too.
When asked about his projected 40-yard dash time at the Combine, Robinson said: "It'll be the same number in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl." Morgan and Dave Canales have expressed their desire for dogs in Carolina, and they'd have one from day one in Robinson.
Round 3, Pick 65: Wide Receiver Xavier Legette, South Carolina
The Panthers would keep a local boy home in this scenario.
Like Robinson, Legette had an impressive week in Indianapolis at the Combine. Scouts were worried about his lack of height (Legette measured 6'1" at the Senior Bowl after being listed 6'3" by the Gamecocks), but his blistering 4.39 40-yard dash time, springy vertical and broad jumps, and impressive route-running in drills put those worries to bed.
Legette is a true outside receiver. He marries true breakaway speed with a bulky frame that allows him to run away from defensive backs and dunk on them in contested catch situations. His body compisition and speed are reminiscent of Ole Miss products AJ Brown and DK Metcalf. Legette's route-running skills could use some polish, but his frame and athleticism are natural gifts that can't be taught.
Much like Robinson, Legette is a pick at a positon of need. Also much like Robinson, Legette would match the best-player-available mindset Dan Morgan is bringing into this draft if he's available at pick 65.
Round 4, Pick 102: Defensive Back Cam Hart, Notre Dame
Hart is another "run to the podium if he's available" pick.
The Notre Dame product is an older prospect (23), but he brings much to the table.
His film shows a receiver that has produced against top talent. The Fighting Irish put him on an island against potential top-five pick Marvin Harrison Jr. and Hart held his own.
At the Combine, Hart did everything well. His speed and explosiveness were on display during workouts, and his fluidity and movement skills were on display during drills. His veteran-like approach turned heads during interviews as well.
"I’m a 6’3” corner with the footwork of a 5’9” guy. I study the top guys like I do the back end of the depth chart.. details matter.”
His age caps his ceiling, but with a bit of fine-tuning, Hart can be a plug-and-play option in a thin secondary that could use another capable player or two.
Round 5, Pick 141 (via TEN): Edge Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
At this point who knows if Brian Burns will be in Carolina come training camp. If he's not, the veteran pass rusher is leaving a massive hole in the Panthers' defense.
Enter Kneeland.
Whether or not Burns suits up in Process Blue next season, it would be prudent for Carolina to double dip on edge rushers in the draft. Kneeland is a coaches dream due to his relenless motor and propensity to finish plays. He fits a need on the edge and brings the dogged mentality Carolina wants in their new era.
Round 5, Pick 165 (via SF): Center Drake Nugent, Michigan
Austin Corbett's future is in question following the regime change, and Nugent could fight for the job in his stead.
Dave Canales wants to employ a running game based on wide zone schemes. For that to work, your offensive linemen needs to be able to move laterally as much as they need to be powerful. Corbett is at his best when he's moving downhill, but his lateral agility lacks.
Nugent is the opposite. The National Champion played 700+ snaps for the Wolverines in 2023 and his movement skills showed often. Any pick this late in the draft is a shot in the dark, but Nugent's scheme-fit would make him a candidate for early playing time depending on how Carolina's new-look offensive line shapes up come August.
Round 6, Pick 180: Safety/Running back Sione Vaki, Utah
This pick is more for fun than anything else.
Carolina has found success drafting hybrid safety/linebacker/running back players from the PAC-12. Could lightnig strike twice? Vaki is a tweener that lacks a real position, but his athletic traits are worth taking a shot on, and the veteran leadership that Shaq Thompson could provide him is invaluable. Why not take a shot on Shaq 2.0?
