2019 NFL Mock Draft: A changing of the guard in NYC

CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 07: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers in the third quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 07: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers in the third quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
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CLEMSON, SC – NOVEMBER 11: Christian Wilkins #42 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play against the Florida State Seminoles during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC – NOVEMBER 11: Christian Wilkins #42 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play against the Florida State Seminoles during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

26. Carolina Panthers

The defensive front has always been the driving force for success in Carolina and there’s no reason to think that will change under Ron Rivera. Having lost Star Lotulelei to free agency, the team might want to think about getting reinforcements to help out Kawann Short in the middle. Christian Wilkins never gets a lot of the credit for the success Clemson’s defensive line has, but he always seems to be the guy doing the dirty work. He clogs up running lanes, making it difficult to find space on the ground and he’s shown enough of a knack in the pass rush to be a constant factor.