So far, many 2020 mock drafts have the Panthers selecting a defensive player or offensive tackle with the No. 7 overall pick.
The team does have major needs on defense, but new offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s scheme operates out of three or four receiver sets almost every play, so it will be crucial for Carolina to find a new third and fourth receiver, especially after declining the Jarius Wright option earlier this week.
With the 2020 NFL draft approaching, the Panthers could look into picking a couple of young pass catchers from a stacked receiver class this year to create a star-studded group. Let’s take a look at one of the best options: Oklahoma’s Ceedee Lamb.
Scouting Report:
Lamb (6-foot-2, 189 pounds) has been one of the top receivers in college football over the last two seasons, so there is no doubt about his productivity. He has elite ball skills, natural hands, an ability to make things happen after the catch and a knack for breaking press coverage. Lamb is exceptionally smooth catching the ball, as his mid-air body control is unparalleled. He is also one of the best receivers we have seen at high-pointing the football and making contested catches.
Lamb’s game does not have many weaknesses, as the only true “concerns” are about his functional strength and straight line speed. He might not have the vertical explosiveness some other 2020 receivers have, but he has tremendous short-field quickness and suddenness which helps him create separation and yards after the catch. It is also worth noting that Lamb ran a respectable 4.5 second 40-yard dash at the combine this weekend, which ranked No. 21 out of 45 wide receivers.
College numbers:
Lamb caught 173 passes during his time at Oklahoma, totaling 3,292 yards and 32 touchdowns. He also worked as a punt returner, posting 475 yards on 54 tries (8.8 yards per attempt).
Highlights:
Lamb vs. Alabama
Lamb vs. Texas
Lamb vs. Texas Tech
Fit with the Panthers:
A wide receiver corps consisting of Ceedee Lamb, D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel speaks for itself. Throwing Lamb into an innovative offense along with Moore and Samuel would be an absolute nightmare for defenses. Drafting Lamb potentially turns the Panthers’ receiver group into one of the best in the NFL and gives Cam Newton plenty of weapons to work with.
[lawrence-related id=618819]
[vertical-gallery id=618221]