Carolina Panthers mock draft 1.0: Gambling on a rookie season like Mac Jones had

It may not feel like it but Carolina does have draft selections beyond Round 1.

As it stands, Panthers fans will have to wait about 40 hours for their team to pick between No. 6 and No. 105. After their first-round pick, Carolina does not select again until Round 4 on Day 3.

That could change if general manager Scott Fitterer trades into Day 2 and adds another pick inside the top 100. I’ve been told there is a strong possibility of that.

Until then, here is my first seven-round mock draft for Carolina. The Panthers hold a fourth-round pick (No. 105), two fifth-round selections (No. 142 and No. 148), a sixth-round dart (No. 199) and a seventh-round flier (No. 244). A lot can and likely will change between the NFL combine, which began Tuesday, and the draft in late April.

Mock draft 1.0 will focus primarily on positional needs I believe the Panthers will address, starting with quarterback.

FIRST ROUND, PICK NO. 6

▪ Name: Kenny Pickett

▪ Position: QB

▪ School: Pitt

▪ Year: Senior

There are a lot of things to like about Kenny Pickett. On the field, he processes quicker than any quarterback in his class. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said Pickett could have a Mac Jones-like rookie season. During his senior season at Pittsburgh, Pickett demonstrated complete control of the Panthers’ offense.

His passing touchdowns ballooned from 13 to 42 from his junior to senior year. Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy advised Pickett to stay at Pitt following his junior season. That sound advice — combined with his Heisman finalist season — catapulted Pickett from a projected sixth- or seventh-round selection in 2021 to possibly the first quarterback selected in 2022.

There are plenty of questions surrounding Pickett, most notably his hand size and arm strength. The Panthers met with Pickett at the Senior Bowl and are scheduled to do so again at the combine.

Nagy compared Pickett’s presence and leadership to that of Bengals’ quarterback Joe Burrow. Pickett demonstrated that he’s a confident QB (4,319 yards, 42 touchdowns, seven interceptions) with great instincts who also possesses the “it” factor necessary for a top-10 selection.

FOURTH ROUND, PICK NO. 105

▪ Name: Alec Lindstrom

▪ Position: G

▪ School: Boston College

▪ Year: Senior

With quarterback taken care of, the Panthers can allocate the rest of their resources to strengthening their fronts. Boston College guard Alec Lindstrom provides the type of flexible Carolina covets.

Lindstrom was a three-year starter at Boston College and comes from a football family. His brother Chris was the No. 14 pick in the 2019 draft by Atlanta where he has started every game the past two seasons. Lindstrom’s father was a hall of fame lineman at Boston College before playing three NFL seasons.

His background explains his high-level football IQ. Lindstrom played center at Boston College and could remain there as a professional. There is also belief he’d be a quality starting guard.

Either way, the Panthers need offensive line help wherever they can. Adding Lindstrom would give Carolina options across their interior.

FIFTH ROUND, PICK NO. 142

▪ Name: Kellen Diesch

▪ Position: T

▪ School: Arizona State

▪ Year: Senior

Unlike Lindstrom, there is no question what position Arizona tackle Kellen Diesch will play professionally. Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 300 pounds, Diesch has the frame and athleticism of an NFL tackle. He isn’t a Day 1 starter. He’ll need time to add mass to his leaner build while he learns the pro game.

Diesch was not invited to the Senior Bowl. Instead, he participated in the Shrine Bowl, where he demonstrated quick footwork and active hands. Watching him on tape, it’s obvious how thin he is. He looks like a Division 1 power forward.

Assuming the Panthers sign an offensive lineman or two in free agency, Carolina could afford to let Diesch develop beyond Taylor Moton and Brady Christensen. That would also make current swing tackle Cam Erving disposable.

FIFTH ROUND, PICK NO. 148

▪ Name: Matt Henningsen

▪ Position: DT

▪ School: Wisconsin

▪ Year: Senior

The Panthers’ defense was too light last season. Fitterer has made it clear he plans on adding size up front to improve the run defense. Wisconsin senior Matt Henningsen was a major contributor on the Badgers’ top-ranked defense last season when he had 3.5 sacks and six tackles for a loss.

Henningsen projects best as a five-technique in a 3-4 defense, which fits defensive coordinator Phil Snow’s multiple front scheme. He is the only player in my mock draft who was not invited to the combine. Perhaps that means he will be available later than Round 5.

Against the Big 10, Henningsen popped on tape several times. He had quality performances against both Michigan and Purdue, where he showcased his ability against the run. I noticed his heavy hands. He punches defenders with force and proves disruptive in key situations.

SIXTH ROUND, PICK NO. 199

▪ Name: Joshua Ross

▪ Position: LB

▪ School: Michigan

▪ Year: Senior

At Michigan, linebacker Josh Ross was voted a team captain in back-to-back seasons. He’s the type of linebacker that will outwork anyone in his position group while providing sound defense against the run. As a pro, Ross projects as an early-down linebacker capable of destroying running lanes and shedding blockers.

Ross would benefit from learning behind starting linebacker Shaq Thompson until he earned legitimate playing time. He may never develop into a coverage linebacker. Professional tight ends or running backs will lose him in space. But his instincts help him a lot in coverage. It’s clear he studies his opponents based on his anticipatory zone drops.

The Panthers are looking for linebacker help behind Thompson. Ross likely won’t be ready Day 1 but with some development, he could grow into a multi-contract pro and a high-value sixth-round pick. Being a Michigan grad selected at No. 199 worked out for Tom Brady.

SEVENTH ROUND, PICK NO. 244

▪ Name: Michael Clemons

▪ Position: Edge

▪ School: Texas A&M

▪ Year: Senior

Whether the Panthers re-sign edge rusher Haason Reddick, Fitterer would like to add more size on the edge. Senior Michael Clemons is a name to watch during the combine. He should impress with his measurables (6-5, 270 pounds) and excel as an athlete during field drills.

Clemons is both raw and ready to help an NFL team. He transferred from junior college and then started the past two seasons at defensive end for the Aggies. In 10 games as a senior, he generated 32 combined tackles, 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks. His lone forced fumble he also recovered for a touchdown.

After the combine, Clemons may not project as a seventh-round pick. Based on the tape I’ve watched, he’d be worth a Round 5 selection or better.

This story was originally published March 2, 2022 at 5:00 AM.

Ellis L. Williams

The Charlotte Observer

Hailing from Minnesota, Ellis L. Williams joined the Observer in October 2021 to cover the Carolina Panthers. Prior, he spent two years reporting on the Browns for Cleveland.com/the Plain Dealer. Having escaped cold winters, he’s thrilled to consume football, hoops, music and movies within the Queen City.