NFL Draft 2019: 7-Round Mock Draft projections for every team

The Panthers would be elated to see Mississippi State edge rusher Montez Sweat still available with this pick. Sweat is one of the most talented players in this draft class regardless of position, and walked away from the combine as one of the biggest freaks in Indianapolis.

He could slide on draft day, though, with teams concerned over his medical history. A pre-existing heart condition was uncovered during medical testing at the combine, and that could cause him to slip even further than this.

Concerns over a potential draft day free-fall has led Sweat to decide not to attend the draft in Nashville on Thursday. Medical concerns like this have caused prospects to fall several rounds, but Sweat’s talent is too great for him to fall too far. I still think he’s an obvious first round pick, and a lot of people believe his long term prognosis is still very good.

The Panthers, or a team even further down the draft board, could be a grateful beneficiary of his slide. An edge rusher is arguably Carolina’s biggest need, and they could get a player who has Top-10 talent all the way at No. 16 because of it.

The Panthers ranked 27th in the NFL in sacks last year, and now must move forward without the ageless Julius Peppers, who decided to finally stop tormenting quarterbacks and retire, much to the delight of signal callers across the league.

If the Panthers feel the risk outweighs the reward with Sweat’s condition, then they could also pass on him and instead focus on improving their offensive line to keep Cam Newton healthy and upright. There are several quality offensive linemen still on the board here.