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!
25) Jaelen Strong ASU 6'4/ 215
Mel’s Take- One of the biggest winners at Combine by running a 4.44 40. Tall and fast receiver that will give DBs fits in the NFL. Has exceptional ball skills with a large catching radius. Would be a great complement to Benjamin for Cam. Made 75 receptions this year for 1,062 yards and 10 TDs. Gets of the line of scrimmage well but does need to work on route running and getting out of breaks in order to be elite. Would be an incredible addition to the Panthers Recieving Corps.
26) A.J. Cann South Carolina OG 6’4/318
Mel’s Take- Not a need for Panthers, but if you go off BPA, he's in the discussion. Ideal size for NFL Guard. Has athleticism to pull and get out to second level. Looked smooth at the Combine (for such a Hog Mollie). Good anchor and effective pass protector as well as run blocker. Would be a very good fit in Panthers Offensive Scheme.
27) Brett Hundley UCLA QB 6’3/228
Mel’s Take- Had a very solid Combine. Ran a 4.62 40 and looked good in the drills. One impressive measurable that was uncovered is his hands are huge. They measured 10 ½ inches compared to Winston’s 9 ⅜. Don’t under estimate that. He has very good physical size and nice throwing mechanics. Mobile guy with a quick release. Problem is he takes nearly all snaps from the shotgun and plays in a pretty simplistic offense. He will take time to develop. Would not be a first round target for the Panthers. I could see him going to someone like Tampa if he falls a bit, and if they wait on a QB until Rd 2. First round talent that if I’m the Bucs or Titans, I’m taking one of those DLinemen and then grabbing Huntley in early Rd 2 or maybe trading back in to get him.
28) DJ Humphries Florida LOT 6’5 /307
Mel’s Take- Hometown kid from Mallard Creek High School. Very impressive on tape and his medical history is the biggest thing keeping him down. Very athletic and able to kick out with ease and powerful in the run game. Had 26 bench press reps at the Combine. Compare that to 21 by La'el Collins.
29) La'el Collins LSU LOT/ROT 6’5/316
Mel’s Take- He impressed me at the Combine, as he was more fluid and athletic than I saw on tape. La’el has been on my radar for a long time. Great combination of a thick body, quick feet and long arms. There’s a lot to like, especially his run blocking and ability to block in space. Where he falls short is balance. He is often seen stumbling or getting knocked off balance by speed rushers but again, he helped himself at the Comibne. Could be asked to move inside to Guard, but I see him as an ideal ROT for Panthers next to his old teammate Trai Turner and would be a better LOT than Byron Bell.
30) Bud Dupree Kentucky 6’4/ 264
Mel’s Take- Was a "Workout Warrier" at the Combine. Ran a 4.56 40. First Team All-SEC DE. That says it all right there. He did wrack up 23.5 sacks in his career. Can DG pass on this "Blue Goose?" My only question on him is can he set the edge at 265 lbs. He is a player though and if he's there at 57, Gettleman will not pass on him. He may even be in play at Pick 25.
31) Arick Armstead Oregon DE 6’8/292
Mel’s Take- Eye-popping 5.1 40 for a man that big. Perfect size for a DE and has tantalizing possibilities. Can and has played inside and out and you can't teach his size. Has good hand-work and shows a good motor. Not nearly a finished product and seems slow off the line. Has been inconsistant, but I see him developing into something special. His versatility would make a lot sense for the Panthers since they probably won't have Hardy back and are not deep at DT. He can play both. I would not be surprised at all if he is the pick at 25. Rare size and versatility.
32) Cameron Erving FSU LOT 6’6/310
Mel’s Take- He looked really good to me at the Combine. I like his versatility more than any other lineman in the Draft. And he plays with a competetive mean streak. He simply has to be consistent with his technique and he can be a very solid player in NFL. And when he played snaps at Center, the FSU run game took off. That type of versatility is incredibly valuable. Could start Day 1 but will need to be coached up on his technique. Would be a great pick for Carolina.