2017 NFL Mock Draft: Carolina Panthers Select TE O.J. Howard at No. 8

With the 8th pick in the 2017 DBN Community NFL Mock Draft, the Carolina Panthers select...

O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama

The selection and write-up were made by MConley17:

What is better than having an Elite Tight End? Having two Elite Tight Ends! The Pats proved how dangerous the scheme can be and I think Cam Newton is uniquely gifted to make an two tight end scheme to be even deadlier in the NFL with his dual threat ability. Howard isn’t a need pick right this minute, but Greg Olsen isn’t getting any younger either, making this a long-term selection that could pay huge dividends later on while in the short term allowing the Panthers to use Two Tight End formations. That also fits Panther's General Manager Gettleman’s typical operating procedure in getting the best player available over reaching for an immediate need. Howard’s quickness off the line of scrimmage would make him an immediate redzone threat while also helping the team in multiple ways like running the ball and with pass-protection which Carolina had a problem with in 2016.

Pokorny: I like this pick because I love O.J. Howard as a prospect. However, is there a better fit for the Panthers than two elite tight ends? In mock drafts right now, 35% of them have the Panthers taking one of the running backs and 37% have them taking a defensive end. Howard is thrown in there with a 7% chance. Selfishly, I’d like Howard to Carolina and the dynamic it presents. Realistically, I have to wonder if they’ll take Derek Barnett if he’s there, or one of the running backs.

The Cincinnati Bengals are up next, led by Mudville.