Carolina Panthers: 7-Round NFL Mock Draft Including Trading Steve Smith

It's been all about the draft for the Carolina Panthers for over a month.

As they've locked up the number one pick, the debate whether or not they should go quarterback in round one has heated up.

During that time, Steve Smith has become impatient with the young Jimmy Clausen.

From John Fox starting Brian St. Pierre to Smith angrily telling the media, "He (Clausen) ain't at Notre Dame anymore, that's for sure," the Panthers are spiraling out of control.

In the wake of this implosion, they might as well start from scratch.

First Round: Andrew Luck (QB, Stanford)

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

PALO ALTO, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal in action against the Oregon State Beavers at Stanford Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Who

Luck is the top prospect on most draft analysts big boards right now.  The Heisman finalist has drawn comparisons to Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers being called, "the surest thing since Peyton Manning."

Those people have to be kidding themselves to make such claims, but just the fact those comparisons, though absurd, are being made shows how much talent Luck has.

Why

If you're a Jimmy Clausen supporter or not, this should be the Panthers selection in April.  There's nothing wrong with a little competition.

If Clausen doesn't pan out, it's all good, you have Luck.

If Clausen ends up being a starting caliber quarterback, then they can trade one of the two quarterbacks (see: Philip Rivers and Drew Brees in San Diego).

Second Round (via Steve Smith Trade): Jurrell Casey (DT, USC)

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO - DECEMBER 26: Dave Shinskie #15 of the Boston College Eagles is sacked by Jurrell Casey #91 of the USC Trojans during the 2009 Emerald Bowl at AT&T Park on December 26, 2009 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

Who

Casey is a slightly shorter defensive tackle prospect, but very powerful at the same time.  He weighs approximately the same weight as Nick Fairley and Casey is three inches shorter.

With his strong stature comes an even stronger pass rush.  Most would call his pass rushing ability his greatest strength.

Why

The Panthers desperately need help on the interior defensive line.  Casey would be an instant upgrade from what they have right now.

With Steve Smith questioning his own desire to stay in a Panthers' uniform, whatever he decides, you know he's not going to be part of the future.

Carolina should trade him now that they have the chance.

Third Round: DeVier Posey (WR, OSU)

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 27: DeVier Posey #8 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs with the ball after a pass reception against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Who

Posey is a nice big target for Andrew Luck to throw to at 6'3".  He has the potential to be a number one wide receiver and that's exactly what the Panthers need.

Why

After trading Steve Smith, the Panthers can't delay upgrading their receiving core any longer.  Posey would combine with a developing Brandon Lafell and David Gettis to form a solid young trio of receivers.

Fourth Round: Clint Boling (G, Georgia)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 21: Clint Boling #60 of the Georgia Bulldogs against the Kentucky Wildcats at Sanford Stadium on November 21, 2009 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Who

Boling is an offensive tackle who will have to move inside to guard at the next level.  He has a great frame at 6'5".

Why

The Panthers need offensive line help just as much as anywhere else.  Unless they want Luck to be on the ground for all of 2011, they better find an upgrade at the guard position.

5th Round: Brandon Hogan (CB/RS, WVU)

Who

Hogan is a cornerback who will fall on draft day after a DUI.  The Panthers can't get much worse so a risk on a player like Hogan is worth it.

He can also return kicks which is yet another spot the Panthers need an upgrade at.

Why

Carolina should attempt to upgrade their secondary in the upcoming draft.  Cornerback is a position that could use some work.

The fact that Hogan can also return is important as they've been horrible on special teams this season.

6th Round: Jason Pinkston (OT, Pitt)

Who

Pinkston was once a second round prospect before he hurt his knee.  The surgery is his only concern and he would definitely be worth the risk in round six.

Why

If the Panthers have injury trouble again like in 2010, they need to have a better second unit.  Their line was pathetic after a couple of injuries early in the season.

7th Round: Dan Wenger (C, ND)

Who

Wegner has good size for a center at 6'4".  Jimmy Clausen took snaps from him at Notre Dame.

Why

Again, the Panthers need to work on their offensive line depth.  They have to have solid players ready to go to prevent another collapse like this season.

David Daniels is an NFL Featured Columnist and Writing Intern at Bleacher Report and a Syndicated Writer. Follow him at One Yard Short.com or on Twitter.