6. Panthers – Malik Willis, Quarterback, Liberty
Carolina will put an end to a subpar quarterback class. The Panthers have not made a quarterback move this offseason and do not look to be sold on Sam Darnold in the long run. This will cause them to select Willis sixth overall, possibly earlier than we expected a quarterback to be selected. He began his college career at Auburn, so despite winding up at Liberty, where he finished 17-6 as a starter, he possesses elite potential. Willis is the type of dual-threat quarterback who is beginning to dominate the NFL. Outside of Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray, he could be the league’s best running quarterback from the start. Furthermore, if Willis isn’t ready to start as a rookie, the Panthers still have Darnold for another year.
6. Panthers – Malik Willis, Quarterback, Liberty
7. Giants (from Bears) – Jermaine Johnson, Defensive End, Florida State
Johnson is another guy who has risen through the draft ranks since the Combine. He had a hard road to this point, having played in junior college and then for two seasons as a bench player at Georgia. But he was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year last season and proved it at the Combine. With their first top-10 pick, the Giants selected an offensive tackle. With this decision, they will be able to concentrate on the defensive side of the ball. There are several choices, but the requirement for an outside rusher will direct them to Johnson.
7. Giants (from Bears) – Jermaine Johnson, Defensive End, Florida State
