After the fallout of the 2019 season, a lot of changes have already been made to the Carolina Panthers’ coaching staff. It’s a new era for the Panthers, who named offensive-minded Matt Rhule as head coach. The 2020 NFL Draft will be one of the many changes being made to the Carolina team under Rhule. Which need will be addressed in the draft? What move will be the most beneficial? What direction is the team going?
The Panthers’ secondary is one of the areas that could potentially need some help. The secondary was up and down throughout much of the regular season. Through 16 weeks, Carolina’s defense gave up the second-most points in the NFL, which is partially attributed to a subpar pass defense. By the end of the season, changes were made to the secondary, such as the benching of starter Donte Jackson.
There are some question marks lingering for the secondary heading into 2020. Carolina could lose No. 1 cornerback James Bradberry to free agency. The former second-round pick has been a starter for the Panthers since 2016. Ross Cockrell is another Panthers’ cornerback who will be an unrestricted free agent and could sign elsewhere.
In Dan Kadar’s latest mock draft for SB Nation, he projects that the Panthers’ will fix their woes at secondary with the No. 7 overall pick.
7. Carolina Panthers: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Like the Chargers, the Panthers are another team that could reasonably need a quarterback like Tagovailoa. But again, let’s assume Carolina keeps Cam Newton or adds a veteran passer. Maybe this is where Rivers ends up. If he does, the Panthers can wait a year and continue developing Will Grier. On the defense, cornerback James Bradberry is a free agent, and the Panthers could find an upgrade with Okudah, one of the elite players in the draft.
My take
The first-team AP All American led Ohio State in interceptions (3) and passes defended (12). Carolina could greatly benefit from a corner like Okudah. Not only is he speedy, but his overall athleticism, footwork, and hip movement mimics that of any pesty receiver. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 200 pounds, Okudah’s size is appealing. He’s versatile in playing man or zone. The Panthers could use a cornerback like Okudah who’s capable of reading different schemes. He knows how to make smart contact. He’s aggressive but he doesn’t draw yellow flags.
Overall, Okudah is a complete package. Considering the Panthers’ defense isn’t 100 percent figured out yet with all the off-season changes, Okudah’s versatility is all but beneficial.