The Panthers defensive line looks deep right now. However, major changes are coming up front in 2020. With the exception of Vernon Butler, all of the team’s current defensive tackles are 29 years or older. Butler will also become a free agent, as will Gerald McCoy and Kyle Love. Cutting Dontari Poe for $10 million in cap savings is also a real possibility.
So, that means there’s a good chance Carolina will have to pick up a new DT next year in order to get younger at the position. A very good one happens to play in their backyard.
In a new 2020 NFL mock draft by Luke Easterling at Draft Wire, the Panthers pick South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw with the No. 19 overall pick.
“It’s hard to point out too many glaring flaws on this roster. The Panthers have been at their best when loading up on defensive talent in the trenches, and that’s what they do here with one of the nation’s most disruptive interior defenders.”
Disruptive is the operative word, here.
Kinlaw’s length helps make him an excellent run defender. Let’s take a look at some of his college tape.
Kinlaw vs. Alabama
Kinlaw vs. Missouri
Kinlaw vs. Clemson
In 25 college games, he’s totaled nine sacks, 16 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles and seven pass breakups.
