The NFL Scouting Combine is an important benchmark in the draft process, as NFL teams get a chance to see how the top prospects measure up against one another.
It also gives mock drafters somewhat of a better sense about how the prospects are perceived and where they might rank on "big boards" across the league.
It's a bit of a surprise to see Calvin Ridley projected to the Panthers by Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com. The Alabama product is widely considered the best receiver in the class, and it's been assumed that he'll be gone in the first 15 or so picks.
D.J. Moore is another intriguing wideout, and he was mocked to Carolina by Dan Kadar of SB Nation. Moore had a terrific combine, which has resulted in more first-round projections for the former Maryland standout.
You'll also notice a guard has emerged as a popular pick for the Panthers. Will Hernandez of UTEP impressed scouts in Indianapolis, and many believe he's a plug-and-play starter. With it looking more and more likely that free-agent-to-be Andrew Norwell will be playing elsewhere in 2018, you can see why analysts might be looking for a guard with their mock projection.
