2019 NFL Draft: Final complete 7-round mock draft as Kyler Murray still goes No. 1

By Randy Gurzi | Apr 22, 2019

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 29: Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks on prior to the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 28: Offensive lineman Andre Dillard of Washington State speaks to the media during day one of interviews at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

16. Carolina Panthers: Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State

Even though they seem to always be a competitive team, the Carolina Panthers have oddly never put up back-to-back winning seasons in their existence. That seemed like it would change as they were 11-5 in 2017 and got off to a hot start in the 2018 season with a 6-2 at mark the halfway point. Then, everything started to fall apart for them.

Carolina was 1-7 from that point and ended up with a 7-9 mark. So again, they’re looking to start winning and hope to end this odd streak of theirs. In order to do so, they need to get some better protection for Cam Newton.

The former NFL MVP’s health was a big reason for the decline in on-field performance for Carolina. Yes, Newton is a mobile quarterback who plays fearlessly and that’s what makes him good, but that’s all the more reason to build a better line and try to limit the hits he does take.

That goal being front and center, the Panthers take Washington State’s Andre Dillard with their first pick. At one point, Dillard seemed like a day two pick but then he separated himself from the pack with a great showing not only at the Senior Bowl but the Scouting Combine as well.

Dillard is a smooth athlete and may be the best pure pass protector in this class. He feels like one of the can’t miss picks and should upgrade the Carolina line, helping Cam stay healthy so he can be Cam again.

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