Mel's 64 is my take on who the top 64 players entering the draft are and commentary on each as to how they may or may not fit with Carolina. Come back often as the order will change as players declare or return to school. Combine and workout results will change things too. Hope you enjoy!
33) Devin Smith Ohio St. WR 6’1/ 192
Mel’s Take: Solid showing at Combine rises him up the draft board. Good size and hands to go with a 4.42 40. He would look really good across from Benjamin. Has exceptional ball skills with a large catching radius. Was a productive receiver that has chemistry with Philly Brown and would be a great 2nd Rd pick if he's still there.
34) Denzel Perryman Miami LB 6’0/240
Mel’s Take- Very instinctive LB that could be the next great MLB out of the U. Ran a very disappointing 4.78 at Combine but plays much faster. Not ideal size and could get exposed in coverage over the middle to elite Tight Ends. But then again, who isn’t? Solid player that can play both MLB and WLB
35) Michael Bennett Ohio St. DT43 6’2/288
Mel’s Take- Did not run at the Combine due to a groin injury but did speak and says the Detroit Lions showed a lot of interest. He is a little undersized but surprisingly strong player that is got better as the 2014 season moved along. Needs to add 5-10 pounds and isn’t the quickest in terms of lateral movement. But put him inside and he is explosive and can blow plays up in the backfield. Had 7 sacks in 2014 from the DT position. Would be very good depth in Carolina as DG likes the Tackles that can get after the passer.
36) Alex Carter CB Stanford 6’0/210
Mel’s Take- Very good size while still running a 4.51 40 at the Combine. He also has experience playing in a similar scheme as Panthers. Not elite coverage skills but smart player with the physicality to come up and make tackles. Would be a nice addition to Panthers DB group. I could see him playing Safety for Panthers too.
37) Ellis McCarthy UCLA DT34 6’4/340
Mel’s Take- Talk about a Hog-Mollie! Ideal for a 3-4 Scheme but can also play DE as he’s played both in UCLA’s 3-4 system. Benched 225 24 times at the Combine. Not a fit with Panthers Scheme but would look good in Green Bay, Atlanta or Baltimore.
38) Sammie Coates Auburn WR 6’2/201
Mel’s take- Ran a blazing 4.43 at the Combine and was the strongest WR on the field. He Would be the perfect compliment to Benji. Read more on him here. He averaged 23.9 yards per reception and would definitely be the guy that would take the top off a defense. He is country strong too and can block which is important in Carolina. He dropped 19.1% of his targets which is the only reason I don't have him in top 25. However, I think several of those drops could be attributed to the QB play. Not to mention he played hurt in 2014. So I would not be disappointed in him being selected #25.
39) Carl Davis Iowa DT43 6’5/320
Mel’s take- This Hog Mollie ran a 5.07 in the 40. That is freakish. The Panthers have nothing behind Star and KK. They need depth at DT. Davis has great size and body make up for a Panther DT. Stout and great use of hands. He always seems to be the first off the ball too. Not an elite pass-rusher but will clog the middle and solidify the run support. Solid pick for Panthers in Rd. 2 if he is still there, which I doubt. Trade back target perhaps?
40) Ifo Ekpre-Olomu Oregon CB 5'11/185
Mel’s Take- All-American CB and probably the most instinctual CB out there. More talented than any current Panther DB and would start right away. Only problem is he isn’t ideal in size and would be exploited against a Julio Jones. Solid in run support and most likely an ideal nickelback. Though reminds me of Brent Grimes. Torn ACL drops him from First Round, but would be great value in the Second, even if it means giving him a red-shirt season. Long term he would be a great fit with Stiki Wiki and Josh Norman.