6 linebackers the Panthers could draft in 2020
By Dean Jones
Willie Gay Jr. – (Mississippi State)
Willie Gay Jr. has steadily risen up draft boards thanks to a sensational Combine performance. The linebacker is now locked to go within the first three rounds and brings an explosive element to a defense.
He is the prototypical size any team is looking for at the position and has the speed to match. Gay Jr. has so many enticing physical attributes that are hard not to like.
Despite clocking a very impressive 4.46 seconds in the 40-yard dash, Gay Jr.’s in-game speed needs to improve. His instincts are sometimes off and this causes a delay in his overall reaction to certain situations.
There is also the off-the-field issue to consider regarding Gay Jr., who missed eight games in 2019 for a violation of team rules. This is a significant red flag that the player has had to answer probing questions about throughout his interview process for prospective teams.
Gay Jr. has a substantial amount of ability and has the potential to be a productive linebacker in the NFL. Whether the Carolina Panthers want to gamble on his character in preference to one of the other talented prospects coming out this year is another question.
This is a high-character locker room that does not need any complications given their relative lack of expectations in 2020.