Complete seven-round 2020 NFL mock draft for the Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are under new management and their focus in this mock draft is fixing their defense. Six of their eight picks are defensive players.
The Matt Rhule era in Carolina has begun. Cam Newton is no longer apart of the Carolina Panthers as they decided it was best to move on. I am a big believer and fan of his, but I do agree with this decision. I also like Teddy Bridgewater and believe this is a good fit as he reunites with Joe Brady. There are other moves that left me scratching my head, however.
For instance, that swap of Trai Turner for Russell Okung wasn’t quite an even trade for the Carolina Panthers. I understand wanting to move on and get compensation, but trading a soon-to-be 27-year-old Pro Bowl guard for an aging left tackle didn’t cut it for me. It is just difficult to see the logic here.
The Carolina Panthers are losing key players at multiple positions for 2020. They released safety Eric Reid, who was an important player in the secondary. They also left a hole on the interior offensive line by not bringing back Greg Van Roten, who signed a three-year deal with the Jets. Van Roten, in 11 starts, committed zero accepted penalties. This will be a position to keep an eye on for the Carolina Panthers in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The biggest blow was losing the heart and soul of the Carolina Panthers, Luke Kuechly. It was a big surprise when Kuechly announced his retirement after eight seasons in Carolina. He was a five-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl selection. Offensive coordinators had to keep an eye on him at all times.
In this seven-round 2020 NFL Mock Draft, the Carolina Panthers barely missed out on their initial target, but they did get a nice consolation prize. Please be aware that this mock draft was completed with the help of The Draft Network’s Mock Draft Machine.
Round One:
1.7: Derrick Brown, IDL, Auburn
Now, the initial target here was Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons, however, he was scooped up at four by the Giants. Instead, the Carolina Panthers go with former Auburn defensive lineman Derrick Brown. Some people may be wary of taking an interior defensive lineman this high, but Brown is a very dominant football player.
Brown can win his matchups with his powerful hands and quickness. He’s extremely explosive and will compete with the best of them. There’s no doubt in my mind that the Carolina Panthers are getting a good one here at seven. He won’t take any plays off and will play through the whistle. Brown has the versatility to play all across the defensive line as well. Matt Rhule will build his team from the inside and Derrick Brown is a key starting point.