Tag: Panthers draft needs

2020 NFL Draft: Carolina Panthers team preview

Everything Carolina Panthers fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything Carolina Panthers fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Matt Rhule

General Manager: Marty Hurney

2019 Record: 5-11

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (7)

2 (38)

3 (69)

4 (113)

5 (152)

6 (184)

7 (221)

TEAM NEEDS

Linebacker

The sudden retirement of All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly left a hole in the middle of the Panthers defense. Addressing that spot early on in the NFL Draft will be key for Carolina and new head coach Matt Rhule. It wouldn’t hurt for them to take more than one linebacker in this class. The top of the list is Isaiah Simmons who could play a hybrid linebacker-safety for the defense.

Cornerback

Top cornerback from the 2019 season James Bradberry left to the New York Giants through free agency leaving a hole for the defense. Ross Cockrell who was also a free agent from the 2019 season remains unsigned. The dream scenario would be Jeffrey Okudah sliding outside of the top five to allow Carolina to swoop in and snag the top cornerback of the class. CJ Henderson is also another viable option as he is seemingly gaining momentum as the NFL Draft approaches.

Safety

Probably a need that is likely addressed on day two of the NFL Draft, safety is also a concerning need for this team. The back seven could use some attention and with targets such as Ashtyn Davis, Antoine Winfield, Jr., Xavier McKinney or one of the small-school prospects. There are plenty to choose from. The team did sign Tre Boston to a three-year deal, but they could use depth and an eventual starter.

TOP TARGETS

Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson

Jeffrey Okudah | CB| Ohio State

Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina

CJ Henderson | CB | Florida

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2020 NFL draft: 5 positions the Panthers need to address

With the 2019 season basically over, it’s time to start looking ahead to April and the 2020 NFL draft.

With the 2019 season basically over, it’s time to start looking ahead to April and the 2020 NFL draft.

Free agency will obviously dictate some of these moves, but here are a few positions the Panthers need to address in this coming draft class.

Defensive back

Kristian Fulton
(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

James Bradberry and Ross Cockrell are both going to become free agents in March and Donte Jackson has struggled in his second season, so cornerback is a major position of need for Carolina. They should definitely target one in the early rounds, perhaps even the first. Safety is also a potential need with Tre Boston hitting the open market and plenty of room for improvement from that unit. Expect a lot of focus on LSU prospects in the coming months, with corner Kristian Fulton and safety Grant Delpit both linked to Carolina in mock drafts.

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