Panthers draft: Why Denzel Mims was not a realistic option
By Dean Jones
Why Denzel Mims was not an option for Panthers
The Carolina Panthers draft team did not go away from their objectives throughout the three-day process. While picking up a player with borderline first-round potential might have been an enticing proposition in the second round. It was never a realistic option.
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This is own in no small part to the weapons already available for new quarterback Teddy Bridgewater at the position. D.J. Moore is coming off a 1,000-yard season and he is now paired with Robby Anderson on the outside following his free-agent arrival from the New York Jets.
Carolina resisted the temptation to trade Curtis Samuel during the draft despite reportedly receiving multiple offers. This will give them another solid option that can be used in a variety of different ways.
Pharoh Cooper and Seth Roberts were also brought in during the free-agency period. And there is plenty of intrigue surrounding undrafted prospect Omar Bayless heading into training camp after a prolific college career.
There is little doubt Mims has plenty to offer in the NFL. He is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in Baylor under head coach Matt Rhule and he has a good blend of speed both down the field and in his cuts.
Had the player fallen into the third-round, it might have been a different story regarding the Panthers draft plans. As it turns out, the organization moved back into the second and select outstanding safety Jeremy Chinn to further bolster their defensive options.
The Panthers draft was all about defense and the roster looks better because of it. This might come with a few growing pains in 2020. But that is to be expected during the first year of a rebuild.
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That left Mims as a target Rhule might have wanted to take. But other priorities made it impossible.