This Mock is a little different that the others you’ve seen.  I’m picking and stating my reasoning for the this round.  I give my reasoning and insights as to why a team will go after a certain player.  The reasoning could be based on last year’s weaknesses as rated by our friends at ProFootballFocus.com.  Or the reasoning could be the pending loss of a Free Agent.  And BPA logic comes into play too.  Follow me on Twitter and share your thoughts @PanthersDrafter

The Panthers do not have much backing up Star and KK as Free Agency opens.  Colin Cole was re-signed and I hope Dwan Edwards will be back but we need at least one more.  And Michael Bennett is a steal at this point in the draft.  He totaled seven sacks from the DT position each of the last two years.  And when KK and Star’s contracts come due in another couple of years, we’ll need this caliber of player to replace them, as I don’t see us being able to keep both long term.

Chris Canty leaving opens up a need along the Defensive Line.  And Ngata is not getting any younger.  Ellis McCarthy is a huge man (6’4/ 340 lbs) and will be a nice piece to fit in to an already dominant defense.

Julius Thomas may not be re-signed as he is going to attract a lot of interest in the FA market.  The TE cutting up the seam and exposing LBs that can’t cover is a central part of what make the Bronco’s so good.  Maxx Williams is a big target at 6’5 / 250 lbs (Cam Newton Big) and ran a solid 4.79 at the Combine.  If Thomas isn’t back, look for this to be the pick.

With Anthony Spencer and George Selvie most likely out due to the lack of salary cap space, look for the Cowboys to look to add a DE that can get after the QB.  Hunter has good, quick and long prospect (6’6/240).  May have to hit the weight room and Cowboys buffet table for a year.

Corey Redding may be retiring which would leave a void at the DE spot and they can really use some talent upfront to get pressure on opposing QBs.

Green Bay was most likely eyeing Bendarick McKinney here to replace AJ Hawk, but Buffalo jumped on him.  with Tremaine Williams most likely leaving in FA, Doran Grant provides some youth and talent into the Packer Secondary.

23 Free Agents for the Seahawks and their top priority is probably signing Russell Wilson who is not even one of those 23.  One key player they probably can’t re-sign is Kevin Williams, the big run-snuffing DT.  Enter home-state DT Xavier Cooper who can fit right in and right away for an already dominant defense.

The world-champs go for BPA at this point in a big 6’4 / 294 lb. DE out of Florida State that will continue to bolster the NE Defense.  If Darrelle Revis is not re-signed, I do look for a CB to be in play at this spot.  But Mario would look really good opposite Jones while rushing AFC East QBs.  Who are they again?