How does a blogger making a pick in a 2013 NFL mock draft “run to the podium” with a pick? We’re still not sure, but that’s the spirit behind the Carolina Panthers’ second-round pick - made by Cat Scratch Reader - this afternoon.
2013 NFL mock draft: Kawann Short to Carolina Panthers
Our Panthers blog does its best version of ‘running to the podium’ with this pick.
| Team | Player | Position | Height | Weight | Class |
| 44. Carolina Panthers | Kawann Short, Purdue | DT | 6'3" | 299 | SR |
| Jaxon: "In the virtual version of running to the podium, the Panthers select 6'3", 305-pound defensive tackle Kawann Short to address arguably the Panthers' biggest need for the past two seasons. Short is a stout, strong DT who can not only hold the point of attack but also make plays in the backfield. He uses his 35-inch arms well, executing rip moves, occasionally batting down passes and even blocking a few kicks on special teams. Short has the versatility to play either DT spot in the Panthers' 4-3, and could be an immediate starter. Finally, Short is also a Ron Rivera type of player - a two-year team captain said to be very coachable and a team leader. I think the Panthers would be very happy to land Kawann Short at No. 44."
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Here’s our own Dan Kadar to break down the pick:
The way this draft has played out for Carolina would be quite a coup. After getting a new offensive tackle in Lane Johnson in the first and now Short, the Panthers would have two sure-fire starters. Short is an active, gap-shooting defensive lineman. who often went overlooked playing on bad Purdue teams. He’s not a first-round player because his effort is inconsistent during games. But with the right coaching in the NFL, he could have the same impact as someone like Sheldon Richardson despite getting drafted a few dozen picks later.
The 2013 SB Nation NFL bloggers mock draft continues tomorrow morning, with the San Diego Chargers and Bolts from the Blue on the clock overnight.
| # | Player | Pos. | College | Ht. | Wt. |
| 29 | Manti Te'o | LB | Notre Dame | 6'1" | 241 |
| 32 | Khaseem Greene | LB | Rutgers | 6'1" | 241 |
| 33 | Jamie Collins | LB | Southern Miss | 6'3" | 250 |
| 34 | Logan Ryan * | CB | Rutgers | 5'11" | 190 |
| 35 | Eddie Lacy * | RB | Alabama | 5'11" | 231 |
Panthers picks
| Rd | # | Team | Player | Pos. | College |
| 1 | 14 | Carolina Panthers | Lane Johnson | OT | Oklahoma |
| 2 | 44 | Carolina Panthers | Kawann Short | DT | Purdue |
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