Most mock drafts have the Panthers selecting a defensive prospect in the first round, such as Auburn’s Derrick Brown or Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons. Both would be worthy picks, but what if Carolina goes in a completely different direction?
As many of you know, new offensive coordinator Joe Brady demands a lot from his wide receivers. At LSU, Brady had four wide receiver sets on the field more than 50% of the time. Sure, the Panthers have added Robby Anderson to pair with D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel, but they still lack a fourth receiver who can make an impact.
In our latest 2020 mock, the team rounds out what would be perhaps the best receiver corps in the league by adding another playmaker at No. 7.
No. 7: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
This pick would be absolutely devastating for defenses across the NFL. Lamb is widely considered the top receiver in this class. He runs tremendous routes, has strong hands, can high point and locate the football as good as anyone and is fantastic after the catch. The Panthers pick up a potential all-pro receiver here and add him to the mix of their already stacked receiver core. They now have four solid receivers plus Christian McCaffrey, enabling them to spread out across the field and expose any pro defense.
No. 38: Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma
The Panthers have a desperate need at defensive tackle. After missing out on Derrick Brown and Javon Kinlaw in round one, they are able to land one of the 2020 draft class’ best interior defensive linemen here in Gallimore. The Oklahoma product is remarkably explosive, plays with tremendous strength and leverage and never turns off his motor. He would be a great addition next to Kawann Short as the team transitions back to a base 4-3 defense.
Round 3, No. 69 overall: trade back with Raiders. Panthers acquire picks No. 80 and 91 in exchange for the No. 69 pick.
No. 80: Darnay Holmes, CB, UCLA
The Panthers trade down here with the Raiders, a team who has three third round picks and pick up an extra third of their own. Holmes, who’s nickname in college was “big play Darnay,” displays tremendous ball skills and tackling ability for a cornerback of his stature. He has a quick downhill trigger when sitting in zone coverage, but his bread and butter is in man coverage where he can stick in the hip pocket of nearly any receiver. Holmes could line up at outside corner and pair nicely with Donte Jackson.
No. 91: Amik Robertson, CB, LA Tech
Donte Jackson is the only capable corner currently on the roster, so it is crucial that the Panthers stock up at this position in the draft. Robertson is one of the most electrifying defensive prospects in this class. He can line up at nickel corner or safety and brings ball-hawking skills. Even though he measured in at 5-foot-8, 187 pounds at the combine, Robertson absolutely punishes ball carriers that he comes into contact with and has a knack for blowing up plays in the backfield.
No. 113: Shane Lemieux, G, Oregon
The Panthers get good value here at another sore spot. Lemieux is exactly the type of powerful interior lineman that Matt Rhule and Joe Brady are looking for. He plays with excellent strength at the point of attack, is a road grader in the run game and displays good qualities in his short pass sets that would bode well in Joe Brady’s pass-blocking scheme. He has weaknesses, such as not always playing with proper balance in his pass sets, but the potential is there and could provide Carolina with an immediate upgrade at left guard over Greg Van Roten.
No. 148: Josiah Deguara, TE, Cincinnati
Ian Thomas could definitely become a difference-making tight end, but for now the Panthers still need more depth. This year’s tight end class is weak, but there are a few bright spots that have upside. One of them is Deguara, who would be an absolutely perfect fit in Joe Brady’s offense. Deguara is an excellent route runner for a tight end, as he is able to find the open zones of defenses and runs his deep/seam routes to a tee. Deguara would provide much more value at TE2 than either Seth DeValve or Chris Manhertz.
No. 152: Shaq Quarterman, LB, Miami
The Panthers go best player available here and add some depth in their linebacker group. Quarterman has led Miami in tackles and been a captain the last two years, so he brings some much-needed leadership qualities to a defense that will be reeling from the loss of so many veterans. Quarterman is an early-down linebacker who is a solid tackler, but does not provide much value in pass coverage. Quarterman probably can’t start right away, but at least he’d provide top-notch depth.
No. 184: James Lynch, DL, Baylor
Lynch has been a popular mock pick for the Panthers, as the fit makes too much sense. Lynch played for Matt Rhule the past three seasons at Baylor, and is another good candidate to become a leader in the locker room. Lynch can also play any technique along the defensive line, so he would provide much-needed depth at both edge and tackle. Matt Rhule has also expressed strong feelings towards Lynch, so don’t be surprised if he’s wearing Carolina blue next season.
No. 221: Alex Taylor, OT, SC State
Taylor is a true project player that Rhule and his staff would have to develop, but he has the physical traits that could pay dividends in the NFL. Taylor measured in at 6-foot-8, 308 pounds with 36 1/8 inch arms, which are picture-perfect measurables for an offensive tackle. He has solid foot quickness and lateral agility that could allow him to hit stretch blocks and pulls with ease, but he will have to add more strength to his frame and improve his technique.
