Pick a position, any position: Running back, receiver, offensive tackle, defensive end, linebacker, cornerback. The Panthers could go with a guy from any of those groups when they’re on the clock Thursday night. And obviously, that’s not all that helpful if you’re trying to figure out what they’re going to do.I’m not big on making bold predictions about crapshoots. Especially when they’re NFL draft related. Especially when they’re about a team sitting in the 20s. But I can’t NOT make a (somewhat educated) guess for the Panthers’ 25th pick, so here you go.

BEST GUESS: D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida

Sure, this is safest prediction, but it would also be the smartest pick. Michael Oher was a nice add, but ideally, he’s a stopgap. The Panthers would love to find their left tackle of the future, and Humphries could be the guy to groom. Plug the Charlotte native in at right tackle next season while Oher mans the left side. Mike Remmers, Jonathan Martin, and Nate Chandler would then provide solid depth. Compare that group to the tackles last year at this time: Chandler, Byron Bell, Garry Williams and Andrew McDonald.

WILD CARD: Shaq Thompson, LB, Washington

Most draft experts consider Thompson a second-round talent, but there’s a sense the Panthers think more highly of him. Having a plan for life after Thomas Davis isn’t something many want to think about, but it’s a reality general manager Dave Gettleman has to face. Thompson’s versatility is a plus. The Panthers could put him at safety as a rookie, but his future would be as Davis’ eventual replacement. When Davis announces Carolina’s 25th pick, it wouldn’t be shocking if the name he reads off the card is the guy many see in himself.