With The First Pick
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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Carolina Panthers

By Kyle Davis

Oct 16, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) before a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) before a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) rushes past Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Avery Gennesy (65) during the second half at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) rushes past Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Avery Gennesy (65) during the second half at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

#1  Derek Barnett – DE – University of Tennessee

The Panthers are struggling this season in a multitude of areas, but one that is painfully obvious is the pass rush.  The secondary has definitely struggled, allowing massive amounts of passing yards so far this season.  But the pass rush has not helped them at all.

Charles Johnson is getting older and hasn’t been as effective as previous seasons.  Kony Ealy had high hopes after a great showing in the playoffs and 3 sack Super Bowl performance, but hasn’t exactly lived up to the hype.

Dave Gettleman loves his “Hog Mollies”, the name he uses to refer to his big men that have an elite combination of size, speed, and strength.  In the first round, I expect them to target the pass rush, adding someone true to their nature and defensive scheme through the draft.

The Panthers love drafting big defensive ends that can stop the run, while also being hugely effective in the pass rush.  Derek Barnett is a 6’3″ 265 pound very athletic Defensive End for Tennessee.

He has 6 sacks over the last 4 weeks, has made some very impressive plays, and has an interception, showing his awareness and ability to tip passes as well.  Barnett is a very effective run stopper.  He is usually seeing double teams in college, but has effectively dealt with those to show his strength.

He is seen as a 4-3 defender, which fits into their scheme perfectly.  The Panthers could use an elite playmaker like Barnett, someone to come in and learn from a storied veteran like Charles Johnson, while making an immediate difference.

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