Carolina Panthers: Alternative 7-round 2020 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
64. Pick Analysis. EDGE. NOTRE DAME. 87. Scouting Report. JULIANOKWARA. player
Carolina Panthers Round 2 (No. 64): Julian Okwara – EDGE (Notre Dame)
There was a flurry of cornerbacks and safeties taken in the second round. So the Carolina Panthers made the smart move to trade back into the No. 64 overall pick and select Southern Illinois product Jeremy Chinn.
The versatile player has an intriguing skill set that could ensure he becomes an instant contributor at the back end or as a slot cornerback. Things might have been far different had the panthers not bolstered their defensive front with their first two picks.
Related Story. Carolina Panthers: Is Jeremy Chinn the player to watch in 2020?. light
One option they might have gone with relating to this particular scenario is former Notre Dame edge rusher Julian Okwara. The physical specimen is as raw as it gets in terms of experience. But there is a tremendous amount to work with regarding the player.
Having him as a situational pass-rusher during the early stages of his development would have been an enticing proposition had the organization not got lucky with Yetur Gross-Matos, who had a mid-to-late first-round grading.
Okwara was eventually taken by the Detriot Lions early in the third round at No. 67 as a potential long-term replacement for Ziggy Ansah, who is still a free agent.
The Lions are looking to turn around their own fortunes. And Matt Patricia added some strong pieces that also included top cornerback talent Jeff Okudah out of Ohio State.