Carolina Panthers: Building the Perfect 2012 NFL Mock Draft

The Panthers were at the bottom of the league last year, but they bounced back quicker than anyone expected behind rookie revelation QB Cam Newton. With a good draft, GM Marty Hurney could put this team on the verge of catching the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints. How could they do it?

Round 1, No. 9

Plan A: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina: The Panthers had Coples in for a visit, and he would give them a third-down pass-rush by sliding inside that could rival the Giants if Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy continue to play well. His natural talent and tools are rare enough to merit a first-round pick.

Plan B: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State: Like Coples, Cox would offer some scheme versatility for Ron Rivera, who experimented with the 3-4 at times last year. He doesn't have the same high ceiling as Michael Brockers and Dontari Poe, but he has done more with what he has up to this point.

Round 2, No. 40

Plan A: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama: Jenkins has major negative character buzz right now, but if he falls to their second-round pick, the Panthers should take the risk that this natural cover corner can keep his head on straight.

Plan B: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska: Dennard could start right away and provides less risk than Jenkins with less upside and talent. Either way, second-round corners can become solid starters. With no third-round pick, the Panthers need to look corner early and shouldn't reach for one at No. 9. A trade-down in the first could allow them to take a Stephon Gilmore or Dre Kirkpatrick at a draft position more in line with their value.

Round 4, No. 104

Plan A: Brandon Brooks, OG, Miami-Ohio: The Panthers need to replace Travelle Wharton, but guard is deep enough that they can wait until the third day to do it. A trade down in the first would help their ammo here. Consider David DeCastro a "plan C" in the first if they don't love any of the defensive linemen available there.

Plan B: Jeff Allen, OL, Illinois: Allen fits best at guard, but would also offer depth at offensive tackle if Jeff Otah continues to have trouble staying on the field.

Round 5, No. 135

Plan A: Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma: Lewis can provide depth at every LB position with Dan Connor gone for Dallas.

Plan B: A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois: Jenkins has good speed to get deep and a nice feel for finding soft spots in the defense. The Panthers should take a shot at a wide receiver on the third day.

Round 6, No. 169

Plan A: Asa Jackson, CB, Cal-Poly: One corner to develop out of this draft isn't enough. The Panthers can focus on lesser-known small school talents on the third day.

Plan B: Justin Bethal, CB, Presbyterian: Bethal plays in the Panthers' backyard, so they have no excuse to overlook him.

Round 7, No. 200

Plan A: Marcel Jones, OT, Nebraska: More offensive line depth is also in order by the end of the draft. 

Plan B: Vaughn Meatoga, DT, Hawaii: If not help on the offensive line, a plugger like Meatoga to beef up the run defense would be a nice addition late.