The 2020 Scouting Combine begins in earnest today, with the first positional drills being broadcast on NFL Network this afternoon. This is an opportunity for each team to get a better look at some of the top prospects in this year’s draft class, including the Panthers.
Two of the deepest positions in this class are wide receiver and offensive tackle. It appears Carolina is doing its due diligence at both.
According to Walter Football, the Panthers have met with Alabama star Jerry Jeudy, considered the top option in a loaded receiver class. Jeudy (6-foot-1, 192 pounds) roasted college defenses over the last two seasons, totaling 145 catches, 2,478 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns.
Of course, the team already has two plus receivers on the roster with D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel. Jeudy is likely going to be better than both, so picking him would give the Panthers a young 1-3 combination that should at least compete with any receiver corps in the league. He’s a projected top-10 pick though, so if they really want him they’ll likely have to use the No. 7 overall selection. Given the team’s dire needs on the other side of the ball, that seems like an unlikely scenario.
Carolina will probably draft a receiver this year, though. Especially after declining Jarius Wright’s 2020 option, they’ll need to pick up another at some point. The first round just seems too early to pull the trigger on it.
In related news, the team also met with Missouri offensive tackle Yasir Durant, per Walter Football. Durant is a heck of a specimen, coming in at 6-foot-7, 330 pounds.
The Panthers have a strong right tackle in Taylor Moton, who should be getting a contract extension this offseason. At left tackle, the team invested a second-round pick in Greg Little last year. So, it may seem like they are set at this spot. However, Little was limited by injuries all season and sixth-round pick Dennis Daley may not be ready to start on the blind side at this point. Adding another OT for depth is not a bad idea at all.
Durant has also reportedly spoken with the Cowboys and the Chiefs. He’s supposed to come off the board in the third or fourth round.
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