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Carolina Panthers: 4 bold predictions for the 2020 NFL Draft

By Dean Jones

NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 22: Linebacker Kenneth Murray #9 of the Oklahoma Sooners speaks to the media after the game against the Army Black Knights at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Black Knights 28-21 in overtime. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 22: Linebacker Kenneth Murray #9 of the Oklahoma Sooners speaks to the media after the game against the Army Black Knights at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Black Knights 28-21 in overtime. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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Derrick Brown, Carolina Panthers
(Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) Derrick Brown /

The Panthers will use their first four picks on defense

The Carolina Panthers’ need for defensive playmakers is there for all to see. Veteran players have departed for pastures new and a fresh intake of youthful exuberance is essential if they are going to make any sort of challenge in 2020.

This makes the possibility of Carolina’s decision-makers prioritizing their first few NFL Draft selections on the defensive side of the ball is a real possibility. There are holes everywhere you look and some talented college prospects in the right areas would do their chances of improving in the short and long-term no harm at all.

Another strong indication of this could be the way the Panthers allocated their money in free agency. The offense seemed to be the priority barring a couple of defensive players. So it makes sense for the team to go with defense with their top-end picks.

There is plenty of talent to choose from in specific positions of need and this is something the Panthers should look to exploit early on. The franchise has made a concerted effort to go younger and even though there is sure to be some teething problems next season, the Panthers could reap the rewards of this decision in the coming years.

Head coach Matt Rhule has not dismissed the possibility of taking a quarterback in the first round. But this would be a major surprise and come with significant scrutiny.

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