Carolina Panthers: DT Derrick Brown projected by Mel Kiper mock draft
Carolina Panthers target Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown according to Mel Kiper.
The Carolina Panthers have a number of needs to address within their current roster. While many may be addressed during the free agent signing period prior to the NFL Draft, with multiple areas in need of improvement, the focus for a first-round pick remains extremely questionable.
Cam Newton isn’t guaranteed to return and his recent health issues have even made trading the superstar a topic of conversation. Greg Olsen appears to be headed toward the broadcast booth and Luke Kuechly already announced his retirement. These moves leave potential openings at quarterback, tight end and linebacker, respectively, but additional losses via free agency and other factors leave the Panthers with needs along both lines and in the defensive secondary.
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Legendary NFL Draft analyst and ESPN expert, Mel Kiper Jr., finally released his first mock draft for the 2020 offseason. This initial rendition has the Panthers selecting Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown. An area of need for Carolina, Brown could potentially shore up a line that allowed far too many opposing running backs clear lanes through the middle last season.
While nothing is guaranteed until someone’s name is called once the Panthers are on the clock in late April, Kiper did correctly project the first pick last year on his initial attempt. A later pick, hybrid defender Brian Burns was taken sixteenth overall, Hurney does own a stellar track record with top-10 selections.
There are a few notable takeaways from such a selection. First, not making a move in order to land one of the top quarterback prospects hints that a Newton return is likely. In addition, selecting a defensive tackle would indicate new coach Matt Rhule is essentially pleased with the current stable of offensive weapons and instead would be focused on restructuring the defense first.
Next. Cam Newton Trade Value. dark
While it may take more than one season for Rhule to completely install his plan, attacking 2020 with a win-now attitude would deflect from any complete rebuild narrative.