The Carolina Panthers might be the worst team in the NFC going into the 2020 NFL draft. Remember, Cam Newton is now gone, as is Luke Kuechly, James Bradberry, Mario Addison, Greg Olsen and a handful of other important players. Whether you call it rebuilding or retooling, this team needs all the help it can get.
The front office’s strategy this offseason appears to have been to address their offensive needs in free agency and save defense for the draft.
So far, they’ve signed two quarterbacks in Teddy Bridgewater and P.J. Walker, plus half a dozen wide receivers, highlighted by deep threat Robby Anderson. Carolina also traded Pro Bowl right guard Trai Turner for Russell Okung and replaced him with John Miller. They have also signed a couple of depth pieces at tight end (Seth DeValve, Colin Thompson).
Defensively, there’s been much less activity. Nose tackle Zach Kerr, defensive end Stephen Weatherly and strong safety Juston Burris are the big names that have signed on that side of the ball this year.
Do the math and fans should expect a defense-heavy draft class this year. We’re expecting the team to trade down and pick a wide receiver early, but the rest of the class might well be all defense.
Here is an in-depth review of the Panthers’ position needs heading into this draft.