NFL Draft: Our favorite player...

When it comes to draft candidates optimizing their early career, landing places are everything. The NFL Draft is all about placing athletes in positions to thrive, or at the very least to get the reps they need to grow. There will be teams, particularly at the top of the draft, that will require newcomers to perform well quickly in crucial situations.

As the draft approaches, here are five matches that could result in a wonderful collaboration between candidates and teams.

C.J. Stroud: Carolina Panthers

There's a reason C.J. Stroud might want to pitch for the Carolina Panthers more than a potential first-round selection would. It's a good match for him, the coaching staff, and where the club presently sits in terms of roster. Stroud's ability to rapidly analyze the field while being accurate to the intermediate and deep portions makes him an excellent match for Reich's attack. Stroud placed 23rd among FBS quarterbacks in average distance of target, according to the Pro Football Focus selection guide. (10.7 yards). With Ickey Ekwonu and Taylor Moton at both tackle positions, the Panthers have the makings of a powerful offensive line.

They also have a competent veteran quarterback in Andy Dalton to defend the fort if Stroud needs more practice time before the season start. The wide receiver situation is in question, but Reich and his offensive team may be able to work around it.

Tyree Wilson: Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta has had a higher need for pass rush assistance in recent seasons than any other squad. Over the last two seasons, the Falcons have only had 39 tackles. It's time to give Grady Jarrett some assistance and make a significant commitment in an edge rusher. Tyree Wilson of Texas Tech isn't a completed product yet, but he possesses the size and strength that new defensive coach Ryan Nielsen helped cultivate during his tenure in New Orleans. Wilson is a high floor/high upside player who can instantly aid one of the league's most troubled pass rush groups. Wilson and second-year edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie would at the very least provide the Falcons with promise at the position, which they have lacked for a long time.

Peter Skoronski: Chicago Bears

Peter Skoronski would be a perfect match for the Bears and a valuable asset in their desire to assemble a strong supporting cast around Justin Fields. Skoronski has the ability to play four positions on the offensive line, and he is a strong candidate for both offensive tackle and guard. It's difficult to find a candidate who can improve numerous offensive line positions, but Skoronski is one of them. Braxton Jones' ability to play across the line would enable him to continue his development at left tackle while offering ace protection from another position. Alternatively, he could provide assistance at right tackle, where he would make a formidable right side with recently acquired Nate Davis.

Will Anderson: Arizona Cardinals

Will Anderson appears to be a Cardinal if Arizona does not move down from the third selection. Look at the Cardinals' depth chart — there may not be another team in the NFL with a greater urgent need for defensive line talent. Zach Allen departed the Broncos in free agency, and they haven't done much to fill the void he left. Even if Allen remained on the roster, the Cardinals needed to start stockpiling defensive line talent to help novice head coach Jonathan Gannon execute his plan somewhat successfully. Anderson would be a Day 1 starter at a spot where Arizona is eager for youth. Trading down may reduce the likelihood of this combination.

Zay Flowers: Los Angeles Chargers

Wide receiver may not be the Chargers' most pressing need right now, but it could become one in the near future if Keenan Allen leaves the club. Even with Allen still on the roster, the Chargers could benefit from a boost in speed and explosion to aid Justin Herbert perform to the best of his elite skills. This is where Zay Flowers enters the picture. He'd be another big-play danger to go along with Mike Williams, but he'd go about things differently. Flowers would be able to stretch the field and offer Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore a little more space to work with when calling plays.  Flowers is a deep ball expert, having caught 500 yards of deep throws last season, placing 11th in the nation according to Pro Football Focus.