Phin Phanatic
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NFL round one mock draft: Miami Dolphins go offensive line

By Pablo Rosero

Apr 29, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Jaylen Waddle (Alabama) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by Miami Dolphins as the number six overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft at First Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Jaylen Waddle (Alabama) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by Miami Dolphins as the number six overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft at First Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI – OCTOBER 03: Charles Cross #67 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs in action against the Arkansas Razorbacks during a game at Davis Wade Stadium on October 03, 2020 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI – OCTOBER 03: Charles Cross #67 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs in action against the Arkansas Razorbacks during a game at Davis Wade Stadium on October 03, 2020 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Scouting Report. CharlesCross. player. 87. Pick Analysis. OT. Mississippi State. 7

Similar to other teams drafting in the top ten, the Carolina Panthers have question marks along the offensive line and at quarterback, however, the team does have a former first-round pick, Sam Darnold, at the spot. While Darnold did play well at the start of the season, the quality of play great dipped after his injury.

Even after bringing in Cam Newton, it was clear that the Panthers are a quarterback away from really being a playoff team or a team competing for a playoff spot. While it was a feel-good story, it did nothing for the team.

Now the Panthers will either need to trade for a quarterback or reach one here. Realistically, the team would rather deal for a veteran with their current roster. Although if they choose to stay with Darnold, drafting to improve the offensive line would be smart.

With Neal and Ekwonu off the board, Cross is the top offensive tackle left on the board. Protecting Darnold is key and with Christian McCaffrey and Chuba Hubbard, the Panthers would want to improve the run game as well.

The Panthers do have an elite young defense that has suffered at the hands of the offense, but there is an upside on this roster that is likely a quarterback away.

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