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!
17) Ereck Flowers Miami LOT 6’6/329
Mel’s Take- Dude is just flat huge. He is athletic and moves well, and led OTs at the Combine with 37 bench press reps. Struggled with the kick-slide drill which is a concern, but isn't what I saw on tape. Is he dealing with an injury? He is just a mountain of a man that would look so good in Carolina if he falls. Doubt he will.
18) Melvin Gordon Wisconsin RB 6’1/208
Mel’s Take- He made money at the Combine. He ran a 4.52 in the 40 and looked the part in all the drills. Production is off the charts. 309 carries for get this: 2,336 yards and 26 TDs. Elite acceleration and balance. Reminds me of a more powerful Jamaal Charles. Must work on blitz pick up, but is a difference maker at the next level. This guy would be an amazing addition to Carolina.
19) Shane Ray Missouri OLB34 6’4/ 235
Mel’s Take- Dealing with a foot injury so did not run at the Combine. Very quick off the ball and shows good instincts and is a solid tackler. Could be a good special teams player and situational player in Carolina, but best fit in 3-4 D like Green Bay. Some have him as Top 10. Size is my big concern.
20) Shaq Thompson Washington LB 6’1/230
Mel’s Take- One of the biggest losers at the Combine. Ran a disappointing 4.67 40 which would make it hard to put him in coverage, but showed exceptional coverage skills for a LB on tape and could be the type of guy to pair against the en vogue TE’s of the League. A little light in the loafers to stop the run as a LB and could actually move to Saftely. However, he could turn into the next Thomas Davis in terms of a good coverage Linebacker to go along side Kuechly for the future. This will be an interesting choice to make if he is there at 25 and after that Combine showing, he might be.
21) Todd Gurley- Georgia RB 6'1/ 230
Mel’s Take- After the Panthers released DeAngelo, do you think we really want to count on the health of JStew? Gurley reminds me of a faster Marshawn Lynch. Big enough to run over you and explosive enough to run through you. An elite talent that only has question marks on durability as he tore his ACL and will fall in the draft. Panthers could afford to bring him along slowly with Jonathan Stewart and Fozzy playing well. But Gurley is a special player that will be someone to lean on in big games. He is definitely worthy of the 25th Pick. Will the Panthers pull the trigger?
22) Dorial Green-Beckham Oklahoma WR 6’6/225
Mel’s Take- Eye-popping size and speed. 6’6/225 ran a 4.49 40 at the Combine and plays like a man among boys. Troubled childhood, dismissal from Missouri will be big concerns that will have to be vetted. I don’t see the Panthers taking a risk on him in Rd 1
23) DeVante Parker Louisville WR 6’3/209
Mel’s Take- At 6’3/209, Parker ran a 4.45 40. Parker is an ideal NFL WR prospect. He is quick and has a huge catching radius. Needs work on his route running and release from line of scrimmage. But nothing Coach Proehl couldn’t fix. He caught 43 balls for 855 yards and five touchdowns in only six games last season. He has all the tools and averaged 20 yards per reception. If he's there at 25, he has to be in heavy consideration.
24) Devin Funchess Michigan 6’5/235
Mel’s Take- Ran a rather pedestrian 4.7 40 at the Combine. Ths will solidify him as a TE in the NFL. Funchess is an impressive athlete that I’d rather have on my team than have to defend. Plays faster than his 40 and gets off the ball quickly. High motor and looks to only get better. Pair this guy with Olsen and look out.