Yesterday, the NFL announced the compensatory picks for the 2020 draft. While the Panthers didn’t get any, this changes the math for how the draft will be playing out next month.
Luke Easterling at Draft Wire just released a new seven-round mock including the comp picks. Here’s a review of who went to Carolina.
No. 7: Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons
Get used to seeing Simmons’ name attached to the Panthers, even though historically they have avoided Clemson players. Simmons not only fills the hole left behind by Luke Kuechly’s retirement, he can also play several other positions on defense. That versatility makes him a slam-dunk pick if he’s still on the board at No. 7.
No. 38: Alabama CB Trevon Diggs
Cornerback might be the team’s greatest need at this point in the offseason. Fortunately, it’s a deep draft class at the position and here the Panthers get a great one in the second round. Diggs (6-foot-2, 207 pounds) posted four interceptions and 14 pass breakups over the last two seasons. He might even be an upgrade over James Bradberry, who is likely to sign elsewhere soon.
No. 69: Georgia QB Jake Fromm
Fromm didn’t exactly set the world on fire with his combine performance. However, he is one of the smartest QBs in this draft class and he’d probably function at a higher level as a backup than Kyle Allen. His college numbers were respectable (78 touchdowns, 18 interceptions) but his lack of arm strength is a legitimate concern.
No. 113: Utah DL Leki Fotu
The interior of the defensive line is going to need reinforcements, especially if guys like Gerald McCoy and Vernon Butler are allowed to leave. Fotu offers plus size (6-foot-5, 335 pounds) quickness and power. He’s not much of a threat as a pass rusher, though.
No. 152: Michigan S/LB Khaleke Hudson
Like Simmons, Hudson can line up at several different spots, which is an obvious benefit for a defense with this many holes. At Michigan, he put in time at linebacker, safety, cornerback and on the edge. Hudson scores very high athletically compared to other linebackers in this draft class and he can also return punts.
No. 184: Miami (FL) RB DeeJay Dallas
Christian McCaffrey can’t continue to get over 400 touches a year, so adding more running back depth makes sense – especially since new offensive coordinator Joe Brady likes to utilize 2RB sets. Dallas scored 17 rushing touchdowns and averaged 5.8 yards per carry in college.
No. 221: TCU OL Cordel Iwuagwu
Last but not least, the Panthers need all the help they can get at guard with Greg Van Roten a pending free agent and Trai Turner going to the Chargers. Here, the Panthers shore up the interior of their offensive line by taking a flyer on Iwaugwu (6-foot-4, 275 pounds).
From where we’re sitting, we’d pass on Fromm and try to hit the OL sooner in the draft, but overall we like these picks, especially giving attention to all three levels of the defense.
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