NFL draft: Jonathan Jones’ round-by-round Panthers projections

Projecting the Carolina Panthers’ 2016 NFL draft picks, round-by-round

Round 1, pick 30

Clemson DE Kevin Dodd: A powerful, competitive defensive end who is relentless on the field. He plays big in big games and can offer the Panthers immediate pass-rushing help.

Round 2, pick 62

Stanford TE Austin Hooper: Had 937 receiving yards for the Cardinal and has the smarts to figure out NFL blocking schemes for a position that neglects those in college.

Round 3, pick 93

Clemson S T.J. Green: Green is a former receiver converted to safety who can fly. His 4.34-second 40-yard dash gets him drafted in the third despite his lack of experience at the position.

Round 4, pick 129

UCLA RB Paul Perkins: Perkins averaged 5.7 yards per carry last season for the Bruins. He can compete with Fozzy Whittaker and Brandon Wegher for the roster spot.

Round 5, pick 168

Nebraska DT Maliek Collins: The anchor of the Huskers’ defensive line, Collins had 21 tackles for loss in his final two seasons and knows how to take on a double team.

Round 7, pick 252

Duke TE Braxton Deaver: Not convinced the Panthers will use this pick – Gettleman has never used his seventh-round pick – but why not take a flyer on Deaver in the seventh? He has second-day talent but a bad injury history.

This story was originally published April 27, 2016 at 5:54 PM with the headline "NFL draft: Jonathan Jones’ round-by-round Panthers projections."