The 2020 NFL draft is deep at cornerback and there are a few blue-chip defensive prospects the Panthers should have their eye on. However, at some point they’re going to need to address the big hole in the interior of their offensive line. With Greg Van Roten going to the Jets, the team needs to find a starting-level replacement at left guard.
When they do, it should come as no surprise if they pick a prospect who has previous experience with offensive coordinator Joe Brady. In the third round of Luke Easterling’s latest 2020 mock draft, the Panthers pick LSU’s Damien Lewis at No. 69 overall.
Lewis (6-foot-2, 329 pounds) is part of an absolutely loaded Tigers draft class. He has a thick build and a whole lot of power. He’ll need to work on his awareness in pass sets, but there’s plenty of potential there and he could thrive in the right scheme.
One potential problem is that in college Lewis played right guard and John Miller will be taking over for Trai Turner at that spot. Transitioning to the other side of center might add a bit to his pro learning curve. His familiarity with Brady should mitigate at least some of that awkwardness, though.
Let’s take a look at his LSU tape.
Lewis vs. Alabama
Lewis vs. Texas
Lewis vs. Auburn
If the Panthers aren’t sold on Lewis, they might try to target LSU center Lloyd Cushenberry instead. The problem there is that he probably won’t be on the board by the time they pick at No. 38 overall in round two. Unless they trade down from No. 7 (they should) he’ll likely be out of their range.
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