WCG Mock Draft- Carolina (#14)

14. Carolina- Greg Olsen, TE, Miami

At the #14 pick the Panthers narrowed down their focus to their team's three biggest needs (LB, S, and TE).  They could have easily went for someone like Levi Brown - OT, but with greater needs in other areas they decided to fill a huge hole.  That hole was at Tight End.

The Panthers got a total of 2 touchdowns and 316 receiving yards out of the TE position in 2006. To put that into perspective, 21 Tight Ends had more than 300 yards individually.  Kris Mangum, the Panthers leading TE ranked 38th among Tight Ends in receiving yards with 170.

To compliment WR Steve Smith and to challenge the middle of the field, the Panthers select the best TE available in the draft, Greg Olsen out of Miami (FL).

Olsen's stock has continued to climb after a great combine where he was arguably one of the best overall athletes to participate that weekend. He runs excellent routes, is fast (4.5 40yd), and has a frame that can take on more size.  The Panthers are hoping that they've found their next Wesley Walls.

Others that were considered (J. Beason, L. Brown, R. Nelson).

Drafter- RME JICO

On the clock- Pittsburgh Steelers (shawngoldman)