The Carolina Panthers made a huge statement during the first two rounds of the NFL Draft, and this trend continued on day three.
Carolina Panthers’ head coach Matt Rhule made his intentions clear in no uncertain terms during the 2020 NFL Draft. A young, fresh approach ensured the franchise became the first in league history to spend every pick on the defensive side of the ball.
While there might still be holes at linebacker and the offensive line interior. There is no denying this represents a smart move from the Panthers’ front office and one that will stand them in good stead in the coming years.
Rhule and general manager Marty Hurney focused on the inside early on, before turning their attentions to a depleted secondary. They found some good value in the mid-to-late rounds that make for an exiting defense in 2020 and beyond.
The Panthers allocated considerable resources in free agency on offense thanks to the free-agent signings of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and wide receiver Robby Anderson. They also extended All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey to a four-year extension that makes him the highest-paid player at the position in NFL history.
While all this will be beneficial to their chances going forward. It left plenty of needs on the defensive side. This was something Carolina’s decision-makers were fully aware of and they acted accordingly with their seven picks.
What this gives the Panthers’ is a solid foundation from which to build for the future. They have a formidable defensive front that is up there with anything in the NFL. Add to this some speedy secondary players from the college system and there is plenty to like about how they went about their business over the three days.
It is clear that athleticism was a big factor when considering a draft pick this year from a Panthers’ perspective. The NFC South is going to possess some potent attacking options in 2020. But Carolina now at least has a fighting chance of staying competitive.
Rhule’s influence on the Panthers draft
Head coach Matt Rhule will have known first-hand just what college prospects fitted into his particular way of thinking. He saw plenty of them during his time at Baylor and this sort of insight would have been invaluable.
While it was somewhat surprising to see the organization use all seven of their selections on defense. It should not detract from the necessity of it. Their options were thin across virtually all positions and now they have a much-needed injection of youthful exuberance to going alongside the veterans who remain following their roster overhaul this offseason.
The likes of Derrick Brown and Yetur Gross-Matos are expected to immediately contribute. The franchise also has high hopes for Jeremy Chinn and Troy Pride Jr. for what they can bring in 2020. Almost every selection made by the Panthers possesses the sort of hunger and desire that were traits missing from the defense last term.
While this draft class does not take away from the difficulties awaiting Carolina next season. It does provide some indication about where Rhule wants to take this rebuilding process. He made a concerted effort to rid the franchise of underperforming roster members and replace them with individuals with tremendous skill sets who have a chip on their shoulder.
Rhule is no doubt going to throw some in at the deep end during the next campaign. So it will be a case of sink or swim for those mid-round players with potential. If they manage to rise up to the challenge then there is the potential for some quality additions that can make a real go of things in Carolina.
Whether that brings any immediate success remains to be seen. But Rhule has the team going in the right direction and it could result in a very exciting time for the franchise.