2019 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Garrett Bradbury intriguing option for Los Angeles Rams

16. Carolina Panthers: Alabama Defensive Back Deionte Thompson

What on earth happened to the Carolina Panthers last season? Following a 6-2 start, the Panthers seemed to be a lock for the playoffs, and even seemed capable of giving the New Orleans Saints a run for their money at the division title before it all fell apart.

How bad did things get for Carolina? The fact that it took until Week 17 to win another game, a game in which the Saints rested their starters, shows how rough last season got for the Panthers, although there’s always hope for 2019.

From making sure Cam Newton is 100 percent healthy to adding key weapons on both sides of the football, Carolina will be keeping themselves busy over the next month or so to put the team in better position for next season.

As for the direction they should take in the upcoming draft, since safety is one of the areas in need of improvement, Deionte Thompson may seem like a risk after discussing his wrist injury, but also this could result in a steal for the Panthers since teams may shy away from the Alabama star.

When healthy, the argument can be made that Thompson deserves consideration to be the top safety from this year’s class. So as long as Thompson’s recovery process continues to go well, Carolina will hopefully take this scenario into consideration.