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Carolina Panthers: Isaiah Simmons would make sensible pick for defense

By Danny Jaillet

CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 02: Isaiah Simmons #11 of the Clemson Tigers runs with the ball after an interception against the Wofford Terriers during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 02: Isaiah Simmons #11 of the Clemson Tigers runs with the ball after an interception against the Wofford Terriers during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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The Carolina Panthers would be wise to take Simmons.

It’s mock draft season, and it certainly fun to see what analysts have to say about the Carolina Panthers seventh overall pick. In one of the most recent mock drafts by CBSSports.com, Chris Trapasso has the Panthers picking Clemson safety Isaiah Simmons seventh overall.

For starters, this is an interesting pick. Secondly, I like it. The Carolina Panthers are going to be needing a physical player to take over defensively. That’s exactly what Trapasso alludes to in his breakdown. The Panthers need somebody who can play physically, and who is not afraid to step up and make a play. Simmons fits both those categories.

Simmons had a great season for Clemson last year, recording 67 tackles, a forced fumble, and three interceptions. He is a player that can do a little bit of everything defensively. In the National Championship Game against Clemson, he recorded seven tackles and a sack. His best performance this season came on September 14 against Syracuse. In that game, he recorded 11 tackles and two sacks.

Trapasso notes that the recent changes to the Carolina Panthers defense make this a sensible pick. It is easy to agree with him here, as the team has been undergoing a makeover defensively. They certainly need to stock up on as much talent as possible.

"Luke Kuechly retires and Simmons falls into Carolina’s lap. Perfect situation for new head coach Matt Rhule."

The Carolina Panthers need to reload on defense and they need heavy hitters. Simmons certainly checks the boxes on both of those things. Moreover, he is a player that can bring multiple aspects to the game. He can rush the passer, play great in coverage, and also stay home and make the tackle. Simmons would be able to fit nicely in the Carolina defense, and he would have a great shot to be a day one starter. This is a position that the Panthers need to fill right now, and Simmons would certainly be worthy of the opportunity.

I will be interested to see what the Carolina Panthers do in this upcoming draft. They have a lot of different ways they can go, but one thing is for certain. They cannot afford to miss on this draft pick.  For one, you don’t want to have this high draft pick again. You want to win and succeed. For another, the seventh overall pick could help shape the future of your franchise. Either way, Marty Hurney needs to make sure that he makes the best decision for the team.

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