The Panthers have a lot of needs to address this offseason. Depending on how free agency plays out, most of them are likely to be on defense.
If the team decides to keep Cam Newton and they’re confident the offensive line (specifically Matt Paradis and Greg Little) will rebound under new coach Pat Meyer, then there’s a case to make for them to go all-defense with their draft picks this year.
Our latest seven-round 2020 mock is an attempt at what that might look like.
No. 7: Clemson “LB” Isaiah Simmons
Rebuilding Carolina’s defense without Luke Kuechly in the middle of it will be Marty Hurney’s greatest challenge this year. Adding a piece like Simmons (6-foot-4, 230 pounds) who can wear so many hats might make a huge difference. In college, Simmons lined up just about everywhere. According to Pro Football Focus, he put in over 100 snaps at five different spots: inside linebacker, outside linebacker, slot corner, strong safety and free safety. Auburn iDL Derrick Brown is a strong prospect worth considering at No. 7, but no other defender in this class can match Simmons’ value and versatility.
No. 38: Ohio State CB Damon Arnette
Whether it’s Simmons or somebody else, the Panthers should pick the best player on their board in the first round. After that, they need to start hitting specific positions. Cornerback should probably be at the top of that list. Arnette (six-foot, 195 pounds) is no Jeff Okudah, but he’d bring a much-needed upgrade of ball skills to the corner rotation, whether James Bradberry is still around or not. He totaled five interceptions and 22 pass breakups at Ohio State.
No. 69: Auburn iDL Marlon Davidson
The interior of the defensive line is another key spot that has to be addressed. While Davidson (6-foot-3, 278 pounds) doesn’t compare favorably with his teammate Brown, the odds are he would also be productive next to another superstar in Kawann Short. Davidson posted 14.5 sacks, 28 tackles for a loss, nine pass breakups and three forced fumbles for Auburn.
No. 103: Utah EDGE Bradlee Anae
The edge rotation will also likely need an infusion of fresh blood, especially if both Bruce Irvin and Mario Addison are allowed to test the market. Anae (6-foot-3, 265 pounds) flashed during the Senior Bowl week and looks like he’ll be a pass rusher to be reckoned with at the next level. Over the last three seasons, he’s totaled 27.5 sacks and 38 tackles for a loss.
No. 134: UCF S Richie Grant
Safety is not as much a need as other spots, but that doesn’t mean they couldn’t use more help, here. Especially if Tre Boston is allowed to leave, Carolina is going to be extremely thin on the back end. Like Arnette, Grant (six-foot, 194 pounds) would bring more of that elusive ability to create turnovers. He posted six interceptions in 2018.
No. 164: Wake Forest LB Justin Strnad
It’s likely going to take more than one linebacker to fill the void left behind by Kuechly’s retirement. With this local pick, the Panthers get more depth to back up guys like Jermaine Carter and Shaq Thompson, who will see their own roles grow. Strnad (6-foot-3, 235 pounds) has a jack of all trades kind of vibe to his game. He totaled three forced fumbles, 10 pass breakups, four interceptions, eight sacks and 22.5 tackles for a loss at Wake Forest.
No. 198: Florida State CB Stanford Samuels III
These late-round draft picks are all about adding as much depth as possible for the positions that need it the most. Samuels (6-foot-2, 185 pounds) has totaled an impressive eight interceptions and 16 pass breakups during his time with the Seminoles.
