Carolina Panthers target defense, quarterback in NFL Draft projection
Carolina Panthers target defense and a quarterback early in latest mock draft projection.
The Carolina Panthers have a variety of needs entering free agency and the 2020 NFL Draft. After suffering back to back losing seasons, undergoing an ownership change and the untimely retirement of legendary linebacker Luke Kuechly, Carolina is preparing for a reboot under former Baylor coach Matt Rhule.
General manager Marty Hurney remains after being re-instated to a role he once was fired from by the previous ownership. Owner David Tepper has signaled his confidence in Hurney and for the fourteenth time he leads the Panthers into draft day, this time with a laundry list of needs to be addressed.
According to Jared Dubin of CBS Sports, Carolina will focus on acquiring a few defensive pieces before focusing on a potential long-term replacement for quarterback Cam Newton. Depending on the future of cornerback James Bradberry, Dubin projects the Panthers will select Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah with their first pick. On the clock seventh overall, Okudah is undoubtedly the top prospect at his position and could help solidify the secondary either alongside Bradberry or in place of the former second-round selection.
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Day two features a stop gap defensive lineman from the University of Oklahoma, Neville Gallimore, poised to replace Dontari Poe before the focus turns to offense. The future of Newton remains unclear as rehab continues and no one really knows what to expect once he’s cleared to play. Multiple rumors have circulated about a potential trade but Dubin predicts Hurney will take a developmental replacement to be groomed before potentially taking over the offense in a couple years.
Another Oklahoma product and former Alabama signal caller, Jalen Hurts, is a dynamic athlete to potentially fill the quarterback position. Projected anywhere from the second round to day three, Hurts could potentially come in, learn Rhule’s system and then be handed the reigns to the offense in 2021.
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Stay tuned to see what transpires when the NFL Draft takes place next month.