The Panthers need to double up at cornerback in the 2020 NFL draft if they’re even going to pretend to be competitive at the position.
Good news: over the weekend, it was reported that the team has held video meetings with three different 2020 cornerback prospects. Here’s a review of who they have spoken with and how they might help Carolina’s defense.
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: FIU
According to Jourdan Rodrigue at the Athletic, the Panthers held a video call with Thomas-Oliver. He started out his college career as a wide receiver, playing one game as a sophomore and catching one pass for four yards. He took off after converting to cornerback his junior year and was voted second-team all-conference in 2019. Thomas-Oliver is an outside corner who is still raw and is projected to be a late Day 3 pick.
College stats: 2 INTs, 18 PD, 65 solo tackles, 7 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 FF
Measurables: Six-foot, 192 pounds, 4.48 second 40 yard dash, 34 inch vertical, 127 inch broad jump, 31 1/8 inch arms, 74 5/8 inch wingspan
Highlights:
Levonta Taylor: Florida State
Jordan Reid at the Draft Network reported that the team held a FaceTime meeting with Taylor. He’s also been getting interest from the Packers, Dolphins and Jaguars. Taylor was considered one of the biggest snubs from this year’s scouting combine. His pro day was also canceled due to COVID-19, so he had to set up his own workout. Taylor is expected to play slot cornerback at the next level.
College stats: 4 INT, 10 PD, 65 solo tackles, 5.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FF
Measurables: 5-foot-10, 190 pounds, 4.43 second 40-yard dash, 29 1/2 inch arms, 69 7/8 inch wingspan
Highlights:
Amik Robertson: Louisiana Tech
Reid also reported that the Panthers are one of 19 teams who have held FaceTime meetings with Robertson, who is considered one of the top slot cornerback prospects in this class. He led the nation with 16 pass breakups last season. Robertson’s relatively small stature and tenacious style of play will no doubt remind some fans of Captain Munnerlyn. He’s projected to be picked in the fourth or fifth round.
College stats: 14 INT, 34 PD, 138 solo tackles, 23 TFL, 4 sacks, 2 FF
Measurables: 5-foot-8, 187 pounds, 4.45 second 40-yard dash, 30 1/4 inch arms, 73 7/8 inch wingspan
Highlights:
