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NFL Mock Draft 2018: Full first round – Who’s the Detroit Lions top pick?

By Michael Kirkland

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: Ezekiel Ansah of the BYU Cougars stands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (L) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders (R) as they hold up a jersey on stage after Ansah was picked #5 overall by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: Ezekiel Ansah of the BYU Cougars stands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (L) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders (R) as they hold up a jersey on stage after Ansah was picked #5 overall by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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Hubbard celebrates
COLUMBUS, OH – OCTOBER 7: Sam Hubbard #6 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after making a tackle for a loss in the second quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at Ohio Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

87. . CAROLINA PANTHERS (11-5). . Sam Hubbard, DE - Ohio St.. 24. player

The Carolina Panthers have some real needs across the board both on offense and defense. The offense inexplicably  got rid of Kelvin Benjamin, their best wide receiver, last year to the Bills. Devin Funchess did his best to step up, but isn’t the consistent WR1 that Cam Newton needs. Factor in that All-Pro caliber tight end, Greg Olsen, was hurt for much of the year, and you can see why Newton struggled somewhat.

The Panthers would love for there to be a left tackle or a big, fast wide receiver at #24. Sadly, there is not. What they can do is find a corner back or defensive end who can address some issues on defense, though.

Sam Hubbard will help take some of the burden off of Julius Peppers, turning 38, and help improve the Panther pass rush.  There are a bunch of locally tied southern players, runner Derrius Guice, defensive end Arden Key, LSU, and cornerback Carlton Davis, Auburn, who could be taken here, too. The Panthers seem to like the tie-in to closer universities.

Hubbard is 6-5, 265, and has a good motor. The Ohio State prospect has been productive in the line rotation in Columbus. Considered a well-rounded, athletic end, he has very good size and good instincts. He lacks elite speed, or elite “get-off” quickness, but at #24 this red-shirt junior is a good pick.

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