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5 ways the Panthers can go with their first round pick

By Dean Jones

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 13: Linebacker Isaiah Simmons #11 of the Clemson Tigers enters the field to warm-up before the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the LSU Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 13: Linebacker Isaiah Simmons #11 of the Clemson Tigers enters the field to warm-up before the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the LSU Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) Jeff Okudah
(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) Jeff Okudah /

Jeff Okudah – CB (Ohio State)

If there is a scramble for a quarterback at the top of the NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers could be in with a realistic chance of selecting Jeff Okudah.

The cornerback is an absolute sensation and has all the trademarks a team is looking for in a shutdown presence. His footwork is already next level and he has the quickness and length to cover a receiver on any given route.

Okudah has developed a substantial football IQ during his time at Ohio State. He has great instincts and is strong enough to jam receivers on the line of scrimmage.

Simply put, there is nothing that Okudah cannot do on the field. The Panthers’ secondary would be instantly improved by his presence and the player would be a huge asset to have in the pass-happy NFC South.

His positioning is already that of a seasoned pro. Okudah also has a nous for baiting quarterbacks and has the short-yard burst to get to the ball ahead of a receiver on intermediate routes.

If Okudah does fall out of the top-six, then this is a no brainer for the Panthers. The corner is a generational talent and his ceiling could not be higher.

Much will depend on whether or not the Detroit Lions trade out of the No.3 spot as to where Okudah goes in the draft.

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