This wouldn't be the time that the Panthers and Giants converge on a major deal centered on a pass rusher. The two teams struck a blockbuster trade last spring, when Carolina traded away two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns to New York.

The NFL draft has few guarantees. Every year, there are surprise picks and trades. Sometimes, the first round can be complete madness. Some teams are willing to move up for an ideal draft target, while other clubs follow the big board and take who’s available.

"The New York Giants have the green light to go in any direction after signing veteran quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston," B/R's Brent Sobleski wrote. "They can take the opportunity to put the pedal to the metal on defense and create an identity through their pass-rush.

NFL fans love mock drafts -- and here at CBSSports.com, we sure have plenty of them! -- but pro comparisons have also become an integral part of the pre-draft scouting process. Su