In this mock, I already had the Panthers add a potential starter at defensive end in Tapper, an underachiever who has elite athleticism and upside. However, based on how their pass rush performed in 2015 (outside of the playoffs), more depth and long-term potential is needed if the problem is going to subside in the near future.

McCalister seems like the type of high-upside prospect the Panthers can afford to invest in. The Florida product offers great length and bend for an edge rusher, complimented by impressive speed and burst off of the snap. His lack of strength and a chiseled frame will turn some teams off, but it’s hard to ignore the measurables on the former Gator.

Speaking of turnoffs, McCalister has a fair share of red flags draped around him that make him a late-round prospect at best. He was dismissed from Florida after two “violation of team rules” suspensions in 2015, and will need to impress during interviews. However, if he does that, he’s a low-risk, high-reward addition who would likely only cost the Panthers a seventh-round pick.