Carolina Panthers: Isaiah Simmons can be Gronkowski’s kryptonite
By Dean Jones
The Carolina Panthers might be able to select someone to counteract the threat of Rob Gronkowski in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The high-profile arrival to the NFC South of tight end Rob Gronkowski could see the Carolina Panthers change their NFL Draft strategy.
He has the potential to be a huge difference-maker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers if the player is anything like the one that retired after the 2018 season. The division is going to be decided by fine margins next term and Gronkowski could be the man that gives Tom Brady’s Bucs’ the edge.
Carolina is an expected also-ran within the NFC South next season. But that does not mean they don’t have to counteract the threat posed by someone with the dominant presence of Gronkowski.
They have the perfect chance to get add some Gronkowski kryptonite with their first-round selection in the NFL Draft. Isaiah Simmons has unrivaled potential at the linebacker spot and there is nothing he cannot do on the field.
Taking the former Clemson standout at No. 7 would give their defense the injection of youth and energy it was sorely lacking at times last season. The Panthers lost an influential figure when perennial All-Pro Luke Kuechly announced his retirement. But Simmons has the same sort of potential when it comes to making a lasting difference.
The Panthers have many needs heading into the Draft from a defensive perspective. It is imperative that their first few selections become players that can immediately contribute. Otherwise, it is going to be a long season.