Panthers' Late-Round Draft Picks for Future Success

0:00On April 17th, Panthers' draft class hits next week, and while early picks grab headlines, keep an eye on those late-round diamonds like Mitchell Evans, and Jimmy Horn Jr. from last year. Carolina Scouting Guys is zeroing in on four under the radar prospects in rounds 3-5 to fix future holes without burning top, capital. Up front on offense, Center Luke Fortner is just a one-year bridge to 2027, so Iowa's Logan Jones ranks as the third best center and ESPN's 99th overall perfect third or fourth round value. Florida Tackle Austin Barber fits the same mold for when Rashid Walker, Ecam Equanu, and Taylor Martin hit free agency soon. Panthers already hosted, him on a top 30 visit. Defensive line-depth took a hit losing a Sean Robinson, and trenches win games in Carolina's playbook. Missouri's Chris McClellan, a battle-tested SEC vet with six sacks last season, met with the team in Scream's fourth-round steal for that rotation, spot. My backers stay thin after last year's special team Scramble, so depth beats premium picks

1:05in this loaded class. TCU's Calebe Larm's OR, first team all Big 12 Honorie they already chatted with, could upgrade over Trevon Wallace as a fifth-round gem. These moves build smart succession without overreaching, setting Panthers up strong for 2022 and beyond, if they land even one or two.