The 2017 NFL Draft has come and gone, and in my opinion, I feel better about the players selected by the Carolina Panthers this go round than I have in quite some time. Panthers GM Dave Gettleman said in one of his press conferences that “this draft has checked a lot of boxes for us” and I couldn’t agree more. A rare draft where BPA and need lined up with a perceived sense of “good value” to great effect.

Of course, any and all feelings about the draft are pure speculation until these guys get some quality field time in. But we all love speculation, don’t we? Here are some awards I’m giving out based on pure instinct alone:

Most Exciting Player

Rd2. Pk #40 - Curtis Samuel, WR/RB, Ohio State

While I absolutely love the pick of Christian McCaffrey in the first round, the 2nd round pick for Samuel excites me even more. It seems likely to me that Samuel will be the one pegged ultimately as the Ted Ginn Jr. replacement, and the thought of a guy with Ginn like speed but sure hands rings like music in my ears. I love the speed and shiftiness that Samuel displays, and I love his proven production against top level competition. He should win full-time slot duty right away, and the thought of a formation that features both him and McCaffrey should keep defensive coordinators awake at night.

Player Most Likely to Make Other Teams Regret It

Rd3. Pk #77 - Daeshon Hall, DE, Texas A&M

When I look at Daeshon Hall, I cannot help but have the thought that “this kid physically looks like another Julius Peppers” even though that is extremely lofty praise for a guy who wasn’t even the best end on his college team. I look at him and see a guy quietly doing his work in the lofty shadow of Myles Garrett, consensus #1 overall pick in this draft, and maybe getting less attention from the coaches at TAMU because of it. Several scouts have ascertained that Hall is still growing into his body, even though he is listed at 6’5” and 266 lbs. I see a guy primed for an eventual breakout on a team that has the veterans to support him, and a spotlight that he can grab over time.

Most Blue Chips on his Shoulder

Rd5. Pk #152 - Corn Elder, CB, Miami

I love a hitter. I especially love a small guy who hits like a brick wall. Corn Elder is that guy. It became readily apparent watching his tape that Mr. Elder has that napoleon complex that fuels some of the small guys to prove it play after play. He’ll have one of the best in the business in that department, CB Captain Munnerlyn, to help him learn how to take that attitude and channel it into a steady NFL career. Since Munnerlyn is both a smaller guy and a former late round pick, one can only imagine he’ll be a great example to follow.

Hardest Road to the Roster

Rd6. Alex Armah - FB, West Georgia

When it comes to the fullback position, typically, “there can only be one” is the mantra. Armah, a guy who was a total swiss army knife player at West Georgia, will need to prove one of two things:

That he is legitimately the best fullback over 7th year pro Darrel Young and 2nd year 2016 UDFA (but promising) prospect Devon “Rockhead” Johnson. Or...

That he has the versatility to make himself valuable in other ways as well as at fullback

The 2nd scenario seems most likely to me. He will be afforded some rope by the coaches as a draft pick, but the 6th round is no guarantee of anything. Someone has to replace Mike Tolbert on the roster, and it could very well be him.

Most Likely to Start in Week 1

Rd2. Pk #64 - Taylor Moton, OT, Western Michigan

Of all the players selected, maybe other than kickers (who don’t count), Moton is in the most ideal scenario to crack the starting lineup at this point in time. While analysts are saying that he may be a guard in the pros, I simply cannot look at his giant 6’5” 320lb. frame and believe a word of it. I also can’t help but notice his best in class vertical jump and shuttle times at the combine. This guy is a classic road grader with great field awareness, active hands, long arms, and an enviable ability to use leverage to his advantage despite his height.

Looking at the Panthers right tackle situation, I see a guy in Daryl Williams that will be pushed to his limit to prove he deserves that starting spot. I also don’t buy the chatter that if Michael Oher returns to the team that he will start at RT. Oher has not been a good RT in the pros for either the Ravens or Titans, why would that change now? If Oher does come back, I expect he will fight it out with Matt Kalil for the right to play left tackle. Moton could make himself a big part of the conversation right away with a stellar camp.