Carolina’s worst personnel loss this year came when Curtis Samuel signed a three-year deal with Washington, robbing the Panthers of their most versatile offensive skill player outside of All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey.
While finding a true franchise left tackle is a greater need, picking up another dynamic receiver to help replace Samuel would certainly help set Sam Darnold up for success. In Mel Kiper’s latest two-round mock draft at ESPN, he has them selecting the Heisman-winning Alabama wide receiver Devonta Smith at No. 8.
“My appreciation for Sam Darnold‘s potential is well-documented at this point, so I don’t see Carolina taking a quarterback here after trading for the former Jets starter. Go and get him some help instead, either along the offensive line or at receiver. Smith is a stellar route runner who just gets open. Put him alongside DJ Moore and Robby Anderson and this is a top-10 offense. Why couldn’t Carolina compete for a wild-card spot in 2021?”
Concern’s about Smith’s size (6-foot-1, 170 pounds) are overblown. He got better every year he was at Alabama and over the last two seasons his production was staggering. During that time, Smith caught 185 passes, totaling 3,112 yards and 37 touchdowns.
Let’s watch the tape.
Smith vs. Florida
Smith vs. Georgia
Smith vs. Notre Dame
Smith vs. Ole Miss
Smith vs. LSU
Smith vs. Mizzou
Smith vs. Texas A&M
In Kiper’s previous two mock drafts, he had the Panthers taking North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance at No. 8, followed by Alabama QB Mac Jones.