No. 13

Pick by Cat Scratch Reader Ryan Clady Offensive Tackle Boise State

With the thirteenth overall pick in the 2008 SB Nation NFL Mock Draft, the Carolina Panthers have selected Boise State OT Ryan Clady.  The pick was made by Jaxon of Cat Scratch Reader, SB Nation's Panthers blog, and he explains the Panthers' need for a left tackle below:

  The Panthers need to add quality depth from this draft at several positions, most notably RB, DT, FB and S. Yet more important is plugging the glaring hole in the starting offensive line at one of the tackle positions. It was leaked prior to T Travelle Wharton signing his new contract that the Panthers are planning on moving him to left guard, hence the release of Mike Wahle. Since Jordan Gross has experience playing both positions and given the fact he is getting paid left tackle money he may get moved to the left side. I think in the end the Panthers will prefer to get a prototypical left tackle and leave Gross where he is comfortable.

In spite of all the talk about creating a power running game the Panthers will still throw the ball, and throw it a good bit. Steve Smith would not stand for less. The Panthers need a consistent left tackle to protect Jake's blind side and pass protection is Ryan Clady's specialty. But don't overlook his overall athleticism and speed in the running game.  Clady will use his size and quick feet to get down the field.  Clady allows the Panthers to leave Jordan Gross at his natural right tackle position and move former left tackle Travelle Wharton to left guard.

Matt Miller, host of this site as well as owner of New Era Scouting, provides his analysis below:

  This pick didn't make much sense to me until I read the GM's write-up. I do like the idea of moving Wharton to LG and giving them potentially 4 Pro Bowlers on the OL (Clady, Wharton, Kalil and Gross). My only beef is that the Panthers have so many real needs without moving people around. There's a need at defensive end, defensive tackle and running back. There are two franchise backs on the board, and a host of good defensive ends. The pick is creative, but almost too creative. Sometimes picking the best player, especially one who can fill a need, is the route to go.

Grade: C  ::  Ryan Clady Scouting Report - New Era Scouting :: Matt Miller's Top Five Prospects Remaining - 1.  CB Mike Jenkins, 2.  RB Rashard Mendenhall, 3.  RB Jonathan Stewart, 4.  WR Limas Sweed, 5. LB Dan Connor

As usual, we've got one more selection coming your way tonight.  WCG, lead blogger at Windy City Gridiron, is representing the Chicago Bears, who are now officially on the clock.