2019 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Los Angeles Rams focus on linebacker first round

16. Carolina Panthers: Deionte Thompson, Safety, Alabama

Just how crazy did things end up for the Carolina Panthers last season? After a 6-2 start, the Panthers appeared to be at least a lock for a Wild Card spot in the NFC, and even managed to keep things close in the NFC South for a while with the New Orleans Saints before it all went downhill.

What made this all even more frustrating to watch is the Panthers would go on to only win one more game for the remainder of the regular season, and that came in Week 17 when the Carolina Panthers were resting all their starters, showing just how bad things really were.

Only time will tell when it comes to seeing if Carolina has what it takes to turn things around in 2019, but at least there are plenty of reasons to feel confident in their chances of becoming a threat in the NFC again with all the talent they possess on both sides of the football.

Since the offense seems to be in great shape with Christian McCaffrey and a handful of other young weapons for Cam Newton to work with, defense in the first round seems like the best approach for the Panthers come April.

Many believe Deionte Thompson deserves the honors of being the best safety in this year’s draft class, and his ability to cover all grounds across the entire football field makes this seem like a great fit for Carolina to help provide a boost to the defense.