With Christmas right around the corner, this time of year is all about presents. For our first 2020 NFL mock draft, let’s try to find some potential gifts for the Panthers in the first three rounds of the upcoming draft.
11. Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
Carolina’s defensive interior rotation could look very different next year and they need some new blood. Brown is an unbelievable athlete for his size and is so powerful against opposing offensive linemen. With few upcoming free agent IDL this year and next, landing Brown with the No. 11 pick to help upgrade what has been a disappointing interior pass rush should make Panthers fans feel like it’s Christmas in April.
Other options: Oregon QB Justin Herbert, LSU S Grant Delpit, LSU CB Kristian Fulton
43. Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
Hurts fell short of giving Oklahoma their third straight Heisman Trophy winner, but he certainly showed he can be an intriguing weapon in the NFL. And with a new coaching staff and uncertainty at the quarterback position, Hurts might interest the new staff as perhaps a younger version of Cam Newton. The success of Lamar Jackson and the potential rise of Kyler Murray have fundamentally changed the way quarterbacks are evaluated and used in the NFL. That will help Hurts and is going to be an avenue the Panthers have to at least consider.
Other options: Georgia QB Jake Fromm, Clemson CB A.J. Terrell, California S Ashtyn Davis
75. Antoine Winfield, Jr., S, Minnesota
The name is certainly recognizable. His dad was an excellent defensive back in his own right. Winfield is thought to not have as much speed as some other safeties, but the kid makes a ton of plays and was a big part of Minnesota’s success in 2019. He recorded seven interceptions in 12 games this season. The big knock on him is his injury history. Winfield only played in four games each in 2017 and 2018 and red-shirted both seasons. But if he can stay healthy, he can bring some power to the Panthers’ defensive backfield, something they haven’t seen a lot of in recent years.
Other options: Washington OT Trey Adams, Texas WR Collin Johnson, UCF WR Gabriel Davis
