2018 NFL Mock Draft: Final evaluations before the Scouting Combine

I was tempted to list a wide receiver here, but keeping Cam Newton on his feet must be the top priority. The Carolina Panthers could conceivably go with Christian Kirk, Courtland Sutton, or James Washington, but significant losses are on the horizon.

With Ryan Kalil announcing that 2018 will be his final season and Andrew Norwell entering free agency, the Panthers address the offensive line by taking center Billy Price.

Norwell could be re-signed, but the All-Pro is expected to be paid beyond Carolina’s budget. Fellow guard Trai Turner is already signed to a four-year deal worth $45 million, meaning the Panthers could end up paying their guards upwards of $100 million.

Without an offensive tackle who’s worth selecting at No. 24 overall, Carolina instead turns its attention to Price—a lineman who has experience blocking for running quarterbacks.

Price doesn’t necessarily blow you away, but he’s a ferocious competitor who leads by example. He can play guard during Kalil’s final season, and shift over to center to help anchor the offensive line for years to come.

Wide receiver and offensive tackle are both options here, but Price would fit the bill of what the Panthers need: Stability along the offensive line.