2019 NFL Mock Draft: Final Pre-Combine first-round projection

2019 NFL Mock Draft: D.K. Metcalf, T.J. Hockenson rising pre-Combine

By Cory Kinnan | Feb 25, 2019

STARKVILLE, MS - NOVEMBER 23: D.K. Metcalf #14 of the Mississippi Rebels catches a pass as Lashard Durr #25 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs tries to defend during the second half of an NCAA football game at Davis Wade Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

16. Carolina Panthers: Yodny Cajuste, OT, West Virginia

From one mock to the next, Yodny Cajuste out of West Virginia jumps from 21st overall to the Seahawks and becomes the second tackle off of the board to the Carolina Panthers. Jumping Jonah Williams and Greg Little ahead of the Combine, Cajuste is also gathering a lot of steam to his name and it would not be surprising to see his name continue to rise up draft boards.

The former Mountaineer would be joining a team that is likely to lose Daryl Williams to free agency, and is in need of an upgrade from 34-year old Chris Clark at the other tackle spot. While Taylor Moton came along for the Panthers this season, adding Cajuste would boost the offensive line.

Considering Cam Newton has been getting battered over the past few seasons and will be coming into the 2019 season with a recent shoulder surgery under his belt, the Panthers have to address the offensive line, especially since they have the talent on both sides of the ball to compete for a division championship and beyond.

Cajuste here at 16 makes a lot of sense for Carolina, and it will be sure to have Cam Newton smiling widely and breathing a sign of relief.

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