NFL Draft: 2018 Round 1 mock after flurry of NFL trade deadline deals

2018 NFL Draft: Round 1 mock after flurry of NFL trade deadline deals

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 28: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell annonces DeForest Buckner of Oregon as the #7 overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /

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DALLAS, TX – SEPTEMBER 9: Courtland Sutton #16 of the SMU Mustangs celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the North Texas Mean Green during the second half at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

player. 87. . Wide Receiver. Southern Methodist. Courtland Sutton. 22

The Panthers have some serious needs along the offensive line and within the secondary, although trading off wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin has opened up a new issue.

True, Benjamin was one of the most frustrating players on Carolina’s roster. Talent-wise, he had the ability to put up 1,200 receiving yards a year and double-digit touchdowns. But his work ethic and weight issues have spoiled what could have been an amazing start to his pro career.

Alas, the Panthers have moved on, leaving fellow wideout Devin Funchess as quarterback Cam Newton’s new best target.

That’s not bad, although Carolina certainly would benefit from adding another big-bodied, rangy receiver. That’s where Southern Methodist’s Courtland Sutton comes in.

At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Sutton has that kind of talent the Panthers wanted to see when they drafted Benjamin.