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FanSided

2019 NFL Draft: Complete two-round mock for every team, New Year’s Day version

By Peter Panacy

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Denver Broncos during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Denver Broncos during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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BERKELEY, CA – OCTOBER 27: Byron Murphy #1 of the Washington Huskies looks on between plays against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
BERKELEY, CA – OCTOBER 27: Byron Murphy #1 of the Washington Huskies looks on between plays against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

player. 87. . Cornerback. Washington. Byron Murphy. 16

Wow, things fell apart in a hurry for the Carolina Panthers, who saw some lofty hopes to be a stout team in what was once the toughest division in the NFL, the NFC South.

Carolina has needs all across the board, and it might be smart to start on the defensive side of things and up front within the trenches. That could be the route taken here, but adding some solid pieces to the secondary would make a lot of sense, too.

Washington cornerback Byron Murphy would make some sense here. At 5-foot-11 and 182 pounds, he’s cut out for nickel duties but could also help fill a glaring void at safety if he winds up showing the necessary speed and ranginess over the top — traits he developed well at the collegiate level.

Plus, Murphy plays bigger than his size indicates, and he’d be a solid choice at No. 16.