Carolina Panthers: Top five first-round 2020 NFL draft targets

Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State

Ohio State cornerback Jeffrey Okudah is one of the single most talented players in the 2020 NFL draft class. He has true shutdown corner potential and could easily be off of the board when the Panthers go on the clock at number seven. That being said, it is not completely unrealistic for him to be available.

If three quarterback end up going in the top six (not necessarily likely, but undoubtedly possible), I could see Okudah slipping a bit. If he does fall to Carolina at seven, Okudah immediately becomes a fantastic prospect for them to consider.

The Panthers do have James Bradberry playing at a high level at one cornerback, but he will hit free agency this offseason. Carolina would love to have Bradberry back, but that is far from guaranteed. Even if the Panthers bring him back, the regression of Donte Jackson this year should have them looking for a long-term running mate for Bradberry. Okudah would be an ideal choice.

With a fantastic combination of speed, quickness and overall athleticism on the outside, Okudah has massive upside at the next level. He is an extremely smooth cornerback prospect who excels in man coverage and understands how to do take care of his responsibilities in zone. Okudah also breaks on the ball well, is physical at the line of scrimmage and is a willing tackler.

There were some concerns about his ball skills coming into the season, but with three interceptions and nine passes defended, those concerns have been quieted.

Simply put, Jeff Okudah is one of the best defensive players in the 2020 NFL draft class and he could also fill a major position of need for Carolina. If he happens to slide a bit, they should not hesitate to bring Okudah into the mix.