Let’s start 2020 off right, shall we?
Here is our first seven-round Panthers mock draft to ring in the New Year.
7. Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
The Panthers need more youth and aggressiveness up front and Derrick Brown is the best option in this draft class to replace Dontari Poe by far. Unfortunately, Brown will not be at the Senior Bowl but he’s a special athlete for his size and should perform very well at the Combine. Putting Brown next to Kawann Short would give Carolina a strong starting interior combo for years to come.
38. Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
The offensive line was a huge disappointment in 2019 and needs plenty of improvement. Daryl Williams likely won’t be back and it’s about 50/50 if Greg Van Roten will, as well. In addition to replacing those two the unit needs someone like Becton, who is a force and a bully. Drafting Becton would allow the Panthers to have some more options with their other linemen, including Greg Little and Dennis Daley, who can play four positions.
69. Hamsah Nasirildeen, S, Florida State
With Tre Boston becoming a free agent in a couple months, the Panthers will once again be looking for another starting safety to pair with Eric Reid. They missed Chauncey Gardner-Johnson in the third round last year but they can make up for it by picking Nasirlideen this time. He’s a physical defensive back who has the versatility that Carolina’s secondary so desperately needs.
103. Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas
D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel give the Panthers an excellent pair of starting wideouts and their best days are ahead of them. You can never have too many play-makers, though. Duvernay would give them a much-needed upgrade in the slot over the veteran Jarius Wright. Duvernay may not last until the fourth round, but if he does then general manager Marty Hurney should pounce.
135. Shaquille Quarterman, LB, Miami
The Panthers need an infusion of talent, but they also need more leadership guys. Quarterman fits the bill – he was a captain and the heart and soul of the Miami defense. He racked up over 100 tackles and 15.5 tackles for a loss. He’s a solid tackler, can help on special teams early and be a solid reserve linebacker behind Luke Kuechly and Shaq Thompson.
154. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU
Joe Burrow is obviously the highlight of the LSU offense. But don’t discredit Edwards-Helaire and his ability to be a very nice complementary piece to Christian McCaffrey, who saw over 400 touches in the 2019 season. McCaffrey could stand to have someone spell him from time to time so he doesn’t get worn out faster and Edwards-Helaire would represent a good chance of pace back.
198. Nyles Pinckney, DT, Clemson
Pinckey is a project player who has potential and the ability to add more bulk in the weight room. He didn’t get too much of a chance in college due to being behind Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins in the past. He did compile four sacks in 2019 for the Tigers, though.
