New Panthers Mock Draft Expert Roundup for 1st-Round Pick

For the first time in several years, the Carolina Panthers aren't picking in the top 10. That is a testament to their progress over the past two seasons.

They are in a solid position to take the best player available, as the roster still needs significant talent on both sides of the ball to compete with the NFC's best.

Ahead of the first round of the draft on April 23, here's a look at what experts are projecting the Panthers will do with the No. 19 pick:

Expert: B/R NFL Scouting Department (3/31)

Selection (No. 19): TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

The Panthers have sunk plenty into their tight ends without finding a legitimate answer.

Tommy Tremble, Ja'Tavion Sanders and Mitchell Evans were all mid-round draft picks within the last five years. None of them have proved themselves as the solution.

Whereas, Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq is easily the incoming class' TE1.

"It's time to add a true weapon at tight end for Carolina," B/R scout Daniel Harms said. "Sure, Sadiq is on the smaller side. But he's an aggressive-minded blocker with Y-tight end capabilities and one of the best athletes in the class regardless of position. His yards-after-catch ability can be great for quarterback Bryce Young to provide a quick option in the passing game.

"Sadiq is still learning the finer points of route-running, but the upside is sky high. For a team with a quarterback who needs plenty of help to be effective, this tight end's all-around upside is simply too good to pass."

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (3/17)

Selection (No. 19): S Emannuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

Expert: Field Yates, ESPN (3/24)

Selection (No. 19): TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN (3/30)

Selection (No. 19): G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/31)

Selection (No. 14) Projected Trade with Baltimore: Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami

Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (3/17)

Selection (No. 19): WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic (3/4)

Selection (No. 19): Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami

Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer (3/4)

Selection (No. 19): DT Caleb Banks, Florida

Summary

Carolina will have to decide which prospect will either help elevate Bryce Young or a rapidly improving defense in the trenches. A strong case can be made for both sides. It comes down to how the player will fit into the strong culture head coach Dave Canales continues to build.