2017 NFL Mock Draft: Free Agency Creates Big Trade Moves

Alabama. Jonathan Allen . 5. player. 87. The Carolina Panthers have always been a defense built around the success of their front four. When it goes, the rest of the unit follows. That was the case for most of 2015 in a good , and most of 2016 in a bad way. When they can’t control the line of scrimmage or rush the passer, it makes life 10 times more difficult for the linebackers and secondary to function. It’s for this reason that the team tends to invest high draft choices into it. <p>Carolina isn’t usually a team that is aggressive early in the draft, but the opportunity is too good to pass up. Jonathan Allen is exactly the kind of football player they could want. He’s a big, strong, quick and agile defensive lineman. He’s a great fit for the 4-3 end position thanks to his ability as a run defender and pass rusher. He gives the team insurance against the aged Charles Johnson and helps replace the departed Kony Ealy.</p>. DE