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Carolina Panthers Mock Draft: Week 17 Edition

By Christian Candeloro

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Carolina Panthers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Carolina Panthers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Round 5, Pick 136: Safety Shyheim Carter – Alabama

BATON ROUGE, LA – NOVEMBER 03: Nick Brossette #4 of the LSU Tigers tries to escape the tackle of Shyheim Carter #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half at Tiger Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Alabama won the game 29-0. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
BATON ROUGE, LA – NOVEMBER 03: Nick Brossette #4 of the LSU Tigers tries to escape the tackle of Shyheim Carter #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half at Tiger Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Alabama won the game 29-0. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

The 5th round has traditionally been used by the Panthers to draft defensive backs. The Panthers have used four of its last eight 5th round picks to nab defensive backs, including Josh Norman, Corn Elder, and Bene Benwikere.

Well, we are not bucking that trend. We elected to take Carter, a player who would be able to add competition and depth to the nickel/slot corner position at the next level. Although Carter is listed as a safety, he does his best work near the line of scrimmage and can be exposed when defending deep.

Despite his limitations, he’s been able to rack up 97 tackles and two interceptions over his Alabama career, starring in the hybrid linebacker/safety role in Nick Saban’s defense.

A former four-star recruit, Carter has been lauded by teammates for his advanced knowledge on the field. He would be a great depth piece to add in the 5th round, especially if he is able to one day take over the starting role at the nickel position. This could be the steal of the draft for the Panthers.

Scout’s Take

"It used to be that the third-best cornerback on a team was placed in the slot position, but in recent years, the slot defender has become a specialty in and of itself. The position has become some sort of a hybrid of an outside linebacker and strong safety, which not every cornerback can do so easily. In the backfield, Carter shows excellent instincts, knowing when to raise his hands to attempt an interception and when to move up and assist another cornerback in his assignment. This year, he has 20 tackles, 11 stops, one forced fumble and six assisted tackles across eight games, according to PFF. To be sure, he has not had the same success as Diggs. But when I look at Shyheim Carter’s stats across two years of meaningful play as a starter on the Alabama Crimson Tide, I see a player with immense potential that should be getting serious attention from NFL scouts and general managers this winter."

Also Available

S Richie Grant (UCF), OT Jack Driscoll (Auburn), OT Cole Van Lanen (Wisconsin)

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