A couple of new names are featured in this week's mock draft report, top prospects at their given offensive positions that are universally expected to still be available when the Panthers turn into their selection at No. 8 in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Within what isn't forecast to be a particularly strong offensive tackle group, Wisconsin product Ryan Ramczyk leads the pack and could certainly help stabilize the position for the Panthers. But is the former Division III player worthy of that early of a pick? That's up for debate, and recent hip surgery that will prevent him from testing at the NFL Combine doesn't help his stock.
Speaking of draft stock, Alabama tight end O.J. Howard helped his with a strong showing at the recent Senior Bowl to solidify his standing as the best prospect in his position group. The Panthers of course have Greg Olsen but could always use a playmaker like Howard, but again the question will be if he's worth the price tag at No. 8.
Like Ramczyk and Howard, most mock drafters suspect that repeat prospects Solomon Thomas and Taco Charlton at defensive end will be available when the Panthers make their first-round selection. Thomas' stock has been rising since bowl season, but Charlton still isn't listed as a first-round pick in some circles though Mel Kiper, Jr. is now the second expert in as many weeks to project him to the Panthers.
Rounding out this week's list are a pair of oft-mentioned running backs in Leonard Fournette and Dalvin Cook. These two (and Fournette especially) are often listed as being gone by the time the eighth pick rolls around on the evening of April 27.
