2019 NFL Draft: KC Kingdom First Round Mock Draft
2018 NFL Draft: KC Kingdom Mock Draft
Round 1: Pick 16 – Carolina Panthers (Kole Berrey)
. Offensive Tackle. Alabama. Jonah Williams. 16. player. 87
Carolina was in the market for offensive help here, and almost had top prospect D.K. Metcalf fall into their laps. The Bills ended up taking him one pick ahead, so the Panthers decided to take what could be the top offensive lineman in the draft in Jonah Williams.
Williams is the most technique sound and “safe” tackle prospect in the draft. Florida’s Jawaan Taylor may have more long-term potential, but Williams has a higher floor and could end up silencing any doubters he has very early on.
Williams has a ton of tape against top defenders that Alabama has faced, and he has fared well through most of it. Some scouts were scared off by his measurables, but arm length shouldn’t matter when a player plays as consistent as Williams did.
The Panthers were able to snag a franchise left tackle in the middle of the first round, and could end up being one of the steal of the entire draft.
Staff Reaction: The Panthers previously signed Matt Kalil to play left tackle and it was a disaster. After watching Brian Burns and D.K. Metcalf come off the board, the Panthers opt for the lineman as opposed to addressing defensive back, even with Byron Murphy and Greedy Williams still on the board. Perhaps the Panthers intend to move Williams to left guard or will compete with 2018 second round pick Tyler Moton for the starting spot. – John