There has been plenty of buzz about the Panthers’ plans for the 2020 NFL draft. Many analysts think general manager Marry Hurney will pull the trigger to make a blockbuster trade up for a quarterback, while others think he’s content with staying put at No. 7 overall. We have been advocates for the Panthers trading back to stockpile more picks, but let’s take a look at what a 2020 draft class might look like if they were to move up.
In our newest mock, the team trades up four spots in the first round for a new franchise quarterback, then back down later for more picks.
Trade up with Lions: Panthers acquire No. 3 overall pick in exchange for the No. 7 and No. 69 selections in 2020, plus next year’s first-round pick.
Round 1, No. 3 – Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
Hurney shoot for the stars here to get his QB of the future in Tagovailoa. With his medicals all cleared up, Tagovailoa will be highly coveted after his sensational career at Alabama. If they really want him, the Panthers will have to trade up and make a better offer than the Dolphins, currently sitting at No. 5 overall. As we stated in Tua’s 2020 prospect profile, he has all the makings to be a franchise quarterback in the NFL and he fits Joe Brady’s offense. The best-case scenario here is Tua having a year to learn under Cam Newton while he plays out his contract, giving Tagovailoa time to fully recover from his injuries – basically redshirt rookie season.
Trade back with Bills: Panthers acquire Buffalo’s No. 54, 86, and 167 overall selections for No. 38 and 221 overall.
Round 2, No. 54 – A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
It sounds like the chances of James Bradberry returning to the Panthers is getting slimmer each day, so they’ll need to stock up on corners. Carolina gets a prototypical pro corner here in Terrell, who measured in at 6-foot-1, 195 pounds with a 4.42 second 40-yard dash at the combine, all while gaining back some picks lost in the Tua trade. Matt Rhule has always looked for “prototype athletes” in his career and has relied on his coaching staff to turn them into great football players. Terrell certainly fits that mold.
Round 3, No. 86 – Rashard Lawrence, DT, LSU
With a desperate need at defensive tackle after not picking up Dontari Poe’s 2020 option, the Panthers get a plug and play starter here in Lawrence. He’s certainly not the flashiest lineman in this class, but he’s a legit prospect. Lawrence is stout at the point of attack, has strong hands, plays with solid leverage and can penetrate his gap against the run. He could also play as a 1, 2, or 3 technique in Phil Snow’s multiple 4-3 defense.
Round 4, No. 113 – John Simpson, G, Clemson
With some especially potent interior line talent in this draft, the Panthers cash in and go with another Dabo Sweeney product here. Simpson is an absolute giant, checking in at 6-foot-4, 321 pounds at the combine. He was a staple along Clemson’s offensive line for four years. He has incredibly powerful hands that he pairs with a great combination of play strength between his upper and lower half. Simpson does struggle with mobility as any player would with his size. However, he also fits the mold of a “prototype player” coach Rhule will be looking for.
Round 5, No. 152 – Isaiah Hodgins, WR, Oregon State
Besides D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel, the team is extremely thin at the wide receiver position right now. However, thanks to an extremely deep 2020 receiver class, the Panthers can afford to wait until the fifth round to grab a potential Week 1 impact player. Hodgins has a long frame at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds and demonstrates a huge catch radius. He is an average route runner but has some of the strongest hands in this class and can high point the ball against any defensive back. This would be a strong value pick.
Round 5, No. 167 – Khalil Davis, DL, Nebraska
Davis is a versatile defensive lineman who can play three or five technique. He stands at 6-foot-1, 308 pounds and is absolutely stacked in his lower half. To show off his explosiveness, Davis ran a ridiculous 4.75 second 40-yard dash and also posted 32 reps on the bench press. He lacks some technical refinement with his block sheds and hand usage. However, Davis is definitely a player that Rhule and his staff could develop into a stud.
Round 6, No. 184 – Myles Dorn, S, North Carolina
With their last pick, the Panthers add more depth to the back end of the defense. Dorn is an aggressive safety who plays downhill and is great at reading the quarterback’s eyes while playing single high. He can line up at box or free safety and can be a nice sub-package defender they can include in passing situations. Jason Simmons and his staff would have to tone down Dorn’s quick trigger and over-aggressiveness. If they can manage that, Dorn could eventually blossom into a solid starter.
