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

Grant Delpit, S, LSU

This last slot is kind of reserved for the worst-case scenario for the Carolina Panthers. Sure, they would love to have their pick of many premier 2020 NFL Draft prospects at pick number seven, but that is unlikely to be the case. We know that Joe Burrow and Chase Young are extremely likely to go with the top two picks in the 2020 NFL Draft, let’s scratch them off of the list. What happens if Tua, Brown, Okudah and Wills end up being the next four picks?

Honestly, I could see Carolina going in many different directions in this scenario. They could buy into Justin Herbert and make him their franchise quarterback. We know offensive tackle could be a need, perhaps Andrew Thomas or Tristan Wirfs would make some sense?

I could even see them taking A.J. Epenesa and using him all across the defensive line. Let’s not forget about do-it-all linebacker/safety/whatever you want to call him, Isaiah Simmons. A trade down is starting to look appealing, but it always takes two to tango. All of these potential options make some sense for the Carolina Panthers, but the most appealing option available would be LSU safety Grant Delpit.

Delpit is a tremendous playmaker at the safety position who shows the ability to play all over the field. He shows great range and ball skills on the backend, can take on a variety of receivers in man-to-man coverage and is a beast in the box. Delpit is a fantastic athlete who can fly around the field and make plays. He is extremely quick to the ball and shows tremendous natural on-field instincts. He always seems to find himself in the right place at the right time.

Delpit has taken a step back this season as a tackler. He seems hesitant to consistently stick his nose in there and make the tackle in space. This could obviously be a major issue going forward, but honestly, I think this is more of a blip on the radar. Delpit has been known as a top-tier 2020 NFL draft prospect for a long time. It is my belief that he has been saving himself a bit for the next level. Obviously, this is not ideal, but it would explain the odd issue that did not show up in 2018.

When it is all said and done, I think that Delpit will end up being one of the premier defensive prospects in the 2020 NFL draft class. Not bad for a “worst-case scenario”.