NFL Draft: 2018 Full Round 1 mock to celebrate New Year's Day

2018 NFL Draft: Full Round 1 mock to celebrate New Year’s Day

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: Haason Reddick of Temple reacts after being picked #13 overall by the Arizona Cardinals during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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Chukwuma Okorafor. 24. player. 87. . Offensive Tackle. Western Michigan

Offensive line should be a top priority for the Carolina Panthers in the NFL Draft, especially if offensive guard Andrew Norwell leaves via free agency.

But an upgrade over offensive tackle Matt Kalil would be smarter. Especially considering some of the many bad moments he’s had this season.

Some of the top-tier offensive linemen are off the boards at this point in the draft. But Carolina could find some value by tabbing Western Michigan’s Chukwuma Okorafor at this spot. Earlier this season, Okorafor might have been viewed as a raw, needing-development prospect likely destined for the middle of Round 2.

But a strong 2017 helped push Okorafor into the first round, likely due to his improvements in pass protection.