Justin Reid, S, Stanford

The Carolina Panthers have a few options here with this pick. They can try to push on a wide receiver or they could take possibly the best OLB in Leighton Vander Esch as the imminent departure of Thomas Davis Sr. is coming after the 2018 season. Though this may be the smartest move to replace Davis, the Panthers are in a big need in the secondary after releasing Kurt Coleman and trading Daryl Worley to Philadelphia. Plus we all know of the failed physical with their first option, Bashaud Breeland.

This has left the back end thin in Carolina and safety play is way more important at this point. With an athlete like Reid, you just cannot pass up on him. As if coming in at the combine with good size at 6’1” 204lbs wasn’t enough he posted a 4.4 40. Then to post an overall top 20 grade his stock jumped from mid-2^nd to mid/bottom of the 1st. From information gathering and tape this is what I have seen.

1. Has the speed to keep up with most at the NFL level

2. Size to come up and make the tackle

3. Can cover the pass and has the hands to make the interceptions

NFL Comparison (our very own) – Malcolm Jenkins

Here is what one general manager had to say about him (via NFL.com) -

”There aren’t too many issues in his game. If he tests well he could sneak into the back half of the first is my guess. He’s better in coverage than his brother.” -- NFC General Manager

Here is how and why I came to the Jenkins comparison. Reid has a football mind and a bloodline in the NFL. He recognizes the plays from good film study and knows how to execute what is set forth for him. Reid makes the play in the secondary, will line up in the box to make plays in the run game and you can bring him off the edge to get after the QB. With Reid you have several spots you can go with him throughout the game. Safety which should and most likely will be his primary, bring him down in to the slot in nickle, move him to the outside in emergency situations, rush him to get in the QB’s face and can also rely on him to run down on special teams and make plays. If this isn’t the potential for the next Malcom Jenkins in the making I don’t know who is.

We all remember this spider graph below –

At the end of the day, Carolina needs help on defense and this is where they must start. Reid is a playmaker that this team needs and just cannot ignore what Reid can bring to them. Reid will be a solid safety in the NFL for the next 8 to 10 years and with a defensive coaching staff like Carolina, he could be great.

2018 BGN Community Mock Draft Order

1) Browns (GMinTraining): Saquon Barkley

2) Giants (ablesser88): Quenton Nelson

3) Jets (20Safety_Hazards): Sam Darnold

4) Browns (MJ1893): Josh Rosen

5) Broncos (drc242): Baker Mayfield

6) Colts (I Need a Username): Bradley Chubb

7) Buccaneers (dunc123): Minkah Fitzpatrick

8) Bears (NVEagleShark): Tremaine Edmunds

9) 49ers (Doug Pederson’s Pair of Balls): Calvin Ridley

10) Raiders (Milehighbirds): Derwin James

11) Dolphins (danishdynamite_): Roquan Smith

12) Bills (LAOJoe): Denzel Ward

13) Washington (Eagle1987): Vita Vea

14) Packers (89Tremaine): Mike Hughes

15) Cardinals (RimoDawkins): Josh Allen

16) Ravens (PhillyEagles2011): Mike McGlinchey

17) Chargers (LBCeaglesFan!): Da’Ron Payne

18) Seahawks (KEZHOG): Marcus Davenport

19) Cowboys (Brawnybalboa): Rashaan Evans

20) Lions (dshelton5): Derrius Guice

21) Bengals (Palaniappan K M): Connor Williams

22) Bills (BeamerWentzorBentley): Lamar Jackson

23) Patriots (jy1187): Harold Landry

24) Panthers (dceagles): Justin Reid

25) Titans (ei78):

26) Falcons (SakPrescott):

27) Saints (MidMajorMatt):

28) Steelers (SummersInVA):

29) Jaguars (RecarTabmok):

30) Vikings (AnthroEagle):

31) Patriots (PhilaWolverine):

32) Eagles (JALupowitz):

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Now it’s time for you to vote for who YOU think the Seahawks should pick in the 2018 BGN Consensus Mock Draft.

1) Browns: Saquon Barkley

2) Giants: Sam Darnold

3) Jets: Josh Rosen

4) Browns: Josh Allen

5) Broncos: Baker Mayfield

6) Colts: Bradley Chubb

7) Buccaneers: Minkah Fitzpatrick

8) Bears: Quenton Nelson

9) 49ers: Tremaine Edmunds

10) Raiders: Derwin James

11) Dolphins: Roquan Smith

12) Bills: Lamar Jackson

13) Washington: Vita Vea

14) Packers: Denzel Ward

15) Cardinals: Mason Rudolph

16) Ravens: Mike McGlinchey

17) Chargers: Da’Ron Payne

18) Seahawks: Marcus Davenport

19) Cowboys: Rashaan Evans

20) Lions: Derrius Guice

21) Bengals: Connor Williams

22) Bills: Calvin Ridley

23) Patriots: Harold Landry

24) Panthers: