8. Carolina Panthers

The Pick: RB, Dalvin Cook

Pro Day Result: Florida State

Before the free agency period, I thought this pick was for sure going to be an offensive lineman because when you looked at Carolina’s roster it almost had to be. But, after signing Matt Kalil, I think they bought themselves some wiggle room to take a skill player – or at least convinced themselves of that.

Early in the draft process we saw reports that said the Panthers were interest in Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey at this pick. Since then some have instead linked LSU’s Leonard Forunette here. But, both of those options would not be the best option. That would belong to Dalvin Cook. With the Panthers’ tendency to run their offensive from the shotgun the preferred method of attack, Cook makes the most sense.