NFL Mock Draft 7.0: Round 1 of the 2018 NFL Draft

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 16: Leighton Vander Esch #38 of the Boise State Broncos celebrates with the trophy after the Broncos defeated the Oregon Ducks in the Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 16, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boise State won 38-28. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

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. Cornerback. Iowa. Josh Jackson. 24. player. 87

The Carolina Panthers are considerably bare at the cornerback position, and that didn’t change in free agency. The team tried to sign former Washington Redskins cornerback Bashaud Breeland to a deal, but Breeland failed his physical, and the two sides effectively split ways.

Now, the top two cornerbacks on the Panthers’ roster are James Bradberry and Captain Munnerlyn.

So needless to say, the Panthers still have a glaring need at one of the most important defensive positions.

For a team that struggled to defend the pass in 2017, and for a team whose woes will only continue to fester unless action is taken, the only NFL Draft pick that makes sense here is Iowa’s Josh Jackson.

Jackson broke out in 2017 for the Hawkeyes, logging eight interceptions in a career year. He showcased impressive instincts, length and ball skills in that time, sending his draft stock skyrocketing. Some scouts have him going as early as the mid-first. Here, he slips to No. 24, and the Panthers waste no time pulling the trigger.

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