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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Sep 24, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; East Carolina Pirates wide receiver Zay Jones (7) catches a pass against Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker Andrew Motuapuaka (54) during the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; East Carolina Pirates wide receiver Zay Jones (7) catches a pass against Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker Andrew Motuapuaka (54) during the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports /

#5  Zay Jones – WR – East Carolina University

Staying close to home, Panthers go with Zay Jones with their 5th-round pick.   I could see the Panthers targeting the secondary here again, but with so many draft picks taken last year, you have to expect them to want to develop their young cornerbacks.  If anything, they may pick up a veteran in Free Agency.

In any case, I see the Panthers picking up a wide receiver in this round.  The Panthers have great options at Wide Receiver in Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess, who are both big bodies.  What they could use is a young slot receiver to give Cam options quickly.

We’ve seen in the past that against fast edge rushers, Cam didn’t have reliable options to get open quickly, especially in the slot.  Ted Ginn is 31 years old, and could be upgraded as well.  Zay Jones has been remarkable for the Pirates this season.  He even had a 20+ reception game for almost 200 yards versus South Carolina early in the season.

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Carolina could use a playmaker to add to the offense, giving Cam even more options.  However, as said before, don’t be surprised if the Panthers take another chance to add to their defense through the draft here either.

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