The Panthers need to find more help at cornerback as much as any position this offseason. There are a few interesting pending free agents like Marcus Peters and Chris Harris, but the draft is usually the best place to find talent.

In a new two-round Christmas mock draft, Luke Easterling at Draft Wire has Carolina picking Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah at No. 8 overall.

“The Panthers continue to climb the draft board after losing seven straight games, but they may just get this year’s best corner for their trouble. With James Bradberry heading into free agency this offseason, getting a polished playmaker like Okudah to replace him would be a fantastic scenario.”

The Panthers should do their best to keep Bradberry in the fold with an extension. Even if they don’t, drafting another cornerback is an absolute necessity. Donte Jackson has shown promise at times since he was a second-round pick in 2018, but his consistency has become a serious concern. He was benched last week in favor of Ross Cockrell and Perry Fewell seems inclined to do so again Week 17.

Jackson needs more time to develop and the Panthers don’t have a ton of depth to go around, so adding a defender like Okudah makes a lot of sense. Let’s take a look at the film.

Okudah vs. Michigan State

Okudah vs. Indiana

Okudah vs. Washington

Okudah (6-foot-1, 200 pounds) is considered the top corner in his class. In 34 career games with the Buckeyes, he’s posted 16 pass breakups and three interceptions.

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