Everyone has or has had a romantic crush. You know the feeling: you cannot get the crush out of your mind, you are infatuated with him or her for many reasons, some irrational. That’s how I feel for prospects in the 2016 NFL draft.

The players discussed herein have standout traits and strengths leaping off the film at me. Despite having flaws that may be deal breakers to Panthers fans or draft analysts, I am willing to overlook them because I am smitten with the what they can bring to the Panthers franchise. With 10 days to go until the 2016 NFL draft, I will share my top 10 Day 1 and 2 prospect crushes.

10) Nebraska defensive tackle Maliek Collins

Do you like Sheldon Rankins? You will love the Rankins-esque Collins at a much cheaper cost. Like Rankins, he is smaller in size but can consistently beat his man on passing downs.

With the departure of Dwan Edwards, the Panthers are in the market for a backup under tackle that can knife through the offensive line on passing downs. Collins can fill that role very well, and could develop nicely to give Carolina a legitimate Big Three rotation in the middle with Short and Lotulelei for years to come.

Overlooked flaw: With his small size, he could get easily erased in the run game. Double teams or large offensive lineman put him on the ground on occasion, so he may be limited early to passing downs only.

With his small size, he could get easily erased in the run game. Double teams or large offensive lineman put him on the ground on occasion, so he may be limited early to passing downs only. NFL.com’s Big Board Ranking : 86th overall

: 86th overall Where I would take him: Round 3

9) Boise State safety Darian Thompson

Gettleman and head coach Ron Rivera have shown an affinity for smart, instinctive players that may not be the best testers at the NFL Combine. Thompson may be the next player to fit the mold. He consistently showed a knack for anticipating pass and run plays, both during the season and at the Senior Bowl.

For years, the Panthers have lacked a young, dynamic combo safety that can win in coverage and come up and lay the wood on run plays. Thompson could be that guy.

Overlooked flaw: Thompson missed a lot of tackles at Boise State. Perhaps he can be coached on a team that has a wealth of experience and tackling discipline. He also had a very poor NFL Combine performance, testing in the 36th, 12th, 9th and 8th percentiles in the broad jump, vertical jump, 3-cone drill, and bench press respectively, compared to other strong safeties.

Thompson missed a lot of tackles at Boise State. Perhaps he can be coached on a team that has a wealth of experience and tackling discipline. He also had a very poor NFL Combine performance, testing in the 36th, 12th, 9th and 8th percentiles in the broad jump, vertical jump, 3-cone drill, and bench press respectively, compared to other strong safeties. NFL.com’s Big Board Ranking: 106th overall

106th overall Where I would take him: Round 3

8) UCLA running back Paul Perkins

Jonathan Stewart has been successful in the Panthers offense under Mike Shula not because he has clear running lanes, but because it is a diverse running game, and he wins on strength and elusiveness. Enter Perkins who, according to Pro Football Focus

The Panthers have long had a need for a change of pace, home-run back that keeps defenses and linebackers honest. They have had struggles with the Darren Sproles and Devonta Freeman’s of the world, but never had one of their own. Perkins can fit that need, and can do so for years to come. In my opinion, he would be an upgrade over Fozzy Whittaker.

Overlooked flaw: Perkins had nearly all of his runs out of the shotgun formation. While that plays to Carolina’s read-option run game, it limits his possibilities as a full-time, bell-cow running back. It is not that he cannot run from I-formation, but he has not had much experience.

Perkins had nearly all of his runs out of the shotgun formation. While that plays to Carolina’s read-option run game, it limits his possibilities as a full-time, bell-cow running back. It is not that he cannot run from I-formation, but he has not had much experience. NFL.com’s Big Board Ranking: 61st overall

Where I would take him: Round 3 for sure, a possibility in Round 2

7) Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith

Knowing that Jaylon Smith is likely out for 2016, how would you feel if #Panthers GM Gettleman drafted him on Day 2? — Edgar Salmingo, Jr. (@PanthersAnalyst) April 17, 2016

If he gets the Gettleman seal of approval, many Panthers fans would trust his judgment. According to an informal poll on Twitter, 68% would approve of him drafting Smith on Day 2.

You may be saying, not another linebacker! But the possibility of a top-10 talent may be too much to pass up on Day 2 for Gettleman. With Thomas Davis getting older and nearing retirement age, having too many linebackers may not be a bad thing, especially if Smith turns out to be one of the top-5 linebackers in the league as he is projected.

Not only can he play linebacker, but he has shown the ability to be an edge rusher in his practice film. That would fill a huge need for the Panthers, who have been lacking a designated pass rusher beyond Mario Addison. Stick him on the edge on obvious passing downs, and he has the potential to be dominant like Von Miller, Bruce Irvin, Aldon Smith, or Khalil Mack.

Overlooked flaw: So, he had a major knee injury and nerve damage only 4 months ago. The question is, will he return back to form, or will he be the next Marcus Lattimore?

So, he had a major knee injury and nerve damage only 4 months ago. The question is, will he return back to form, or will he be the next Marcus Lattimore? NFL.com’s Big Board Ranking: 15th overall

15th overall Where I would take him: Round 3 for sure, a possibility in Round 2

6) Alabama running back Derrick Henry

A hogmolly that is also a freak athlete? Yes, please! Like Newton, Henry is a huge man who has breakaway speed. He would fit this physical offensive philosophy like a glove.

According to Pro Football Focus As Josh Norris has said

Overlooked flaw: On tape and at the NFL Combine, Henry showed less than ideal agility. He also was easily brought down behind the line. If Henry does not get the blocks he needs, he does not have the agility, power, or elusiveness to break out like Jonathan Stewart does.

On tape and at the NFL Combine, Henry showed less than ideal agility. He also was easily brought down behind the line. If Henry does not get the blocks he needs, he does not have the agility, power, or elusiveness to break out like Jonathan Stewart does. NFL.com’s Big Board Ranking: 31st overall

Where I would take him: Round 2 for sure, a possibility for a trade up in Round 2

Edgar Salmingo, Jr., is a contributor for Panthers Wire. You can follow him on Twitter at @PanthersAnalyst.