2019 NFL Mock Draft: Defensive line dominates as quarterbacks fall
By Randy Gurzi
16. Carolina Panthers: Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
This is a far fall for Jonah Williams, who had a game to forget in the national championship game. To be fair, he was playing against an elite line as the Clemson Tigers will be sending several players to the pros in the 2019 NFL Draft. Even so, those are the kinds of players he will face at the next level and it could cause some to rethink him as the top offensive tackle.
Should that happen, he could fall some as other teams jump all over other needs. For the Carolina Panthers, it ends up being a blessing. Looking at Williams’ career, he’s a much better player than he showed against Clemson and will have a long and productive career. The Panthers will be happy about that, simply because they need someone to help Cam Newton stay healthy for 16 full games.
Newton hasn’t missed much time at all, but the big quarterback does start to show signs of being beaten up as the year drags on — and 2018 was especially bad for him as a shoulder problem limited him some. Carolina will still allow Newton to run the ball, as it’s what makes him so dangerous.
However, Williams’ presence gives him a cleaner pocket and limits the times he has to run as things break down. Keeping him clean more often allows him to be better at the end of the season — which is when they need him most.