The Panthers need to take a cornerback on Day 2 of the NFL draft. Here are their options
The Panthers addressed a major need with their first pick in the 2020 NFL draft. Not only is Derrick Brown a dynamic defensive lineman that sat near the top of the team’s draft board, but he also fills a hole that they had yet to address this offseason.
There are sure to be mixed feelings on Carolina’s decision to pass on Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons, but no matter how you feel about the selection, it’s hard to deny that Brown is an impactful player and that the Panthers needed help on the defensive line after finishing last season giving up 31 rushing touchdowns and 5.2 yards per carry.
Head coach Matt Rhule and general manager Marty Hurney believe Brown will fit well on the interior of the defensive line next to Kawann Short.
“I think what we need to do, especially now that we’re getting KK (Short) healthy, is have some interior guys that can really get in the face of the quarterbacks in this league,” Rhule said. “You have three established quarterbacks in the NFC South. I think having a guy with (Brown’s 34-inch) arm length … that’s the ability to keep offensive linemen off of him, that’s the ability to affect the quarterback area. I think he’s only just beginning in his ability as a pass rusher. He’s been a dominant, dominant force, dominant run force.”
The Panthers have at least seven more draft picks ahead of them and plenty of starting-caliber players that need to drafted. Defensive tackle may no longer be as much of a priority, but the defensive line lost three starters this offseason and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see it addressed again over the next two days. Keep in mind, there is a potential the Panthers will take advantage of the second day of the draft and move down to add a pick or two.
Round 2 - 38th overall pick
The Panthers need to draft a cornerback. There’s no way around it. Six cornerbacks were taken in the first round of the draft, most considered among the top of the position in this year’s class. With James Bradberry now with the Giants, Carolina does not have someone to play opposite Donte Jackson in a division that features some of the top wide receivers in the NFL, including Michael Thomas, Julio Jones and Mike Evans.
And that’s before we get to the fact that Tom Brady joined the division.
Hurney said after selecting Brown that his approach to building the defense was starting with the front. Now they need to worry about getting a substantial talent for the back-end or it will be a long year in the NFC South.
Options in the second round are:
Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
Johnson was selected by the Panthers’ in the second round of the Observer’s final mock draft, and he remains someone to keep an eye on Friday. At 6-foot, 193 pounds, he is a physical corner that the Panthers could continue to develop. NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein described him as “a physical press corner with off-man ability whose anticipation and ball skills should continue to help him make plays as a CB1.”
Good instincts are part of what the Panthers are looking for in their defense. They want players they can help develop and Johnson fits that model.
Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Just as offensive coordinator Joe Brady got a good look at Brown during the 2019 season that helped form the Panthers’ opinion of him, he also had a lot of opportunities to watch Fulton play. He has played against some of the top wide receivers in the country and limited passer to a 40 percent completion rate since 2018. While he may not be as starter-ready as other prospects, he could be a good long-term fit.
Trevon Diggs, CB - Alabama
Stefon Diggs’ little brother was expected by many to be selected in the first round, but instead he’ll likely be taken some time during the second round. Last year at Alabama, the converted wide receiver allowed 13 catches for 176 yards in 2019, per Pro Football Focus. Zierlein describes him as a “talented prospect with a rare combination of size, strength and ball skills.” He would be hard to pass up if he’s still available at 38.
If the Panthers don’t take a cornerback in Round 2, they should consider these options:
Zack Baun, LB/EDGE, Wisconsin: Can play in a variety of schemes and has high potential.
Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor: Had potential to go in the first round, but was passed over. The Baylor connection could be hard to resist and the Panthers are certainly looking for playmakers at wide receiver still.
Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama: This is more of a wildcard pick. If the Panthers traded back, Lewis might be a better fit. He has had injury woes, but has a lot of natural abilities that Carolina would like.
Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne: It’s unclear exactly where Dugger will go, but he’s someone to keep an eye on throughout Day 2 for the Panthers.
Round 3 - 69th overall pick
Among the areas the Panthers still need to address are linebacker, safety, wide receiver and offensive guard.
James Lynch, DL, Baylor
While the Panthers already addressed defensive line, it feels like Lynch has been matched with the Panthers forever at this point. But in all seriousness, he would fit with Carolina for a variety of reasons, but mostly because of Rhule.
Lynch led college football in total QB pressures last year with 70, per Pro Football Focus, and set the school’s sack record. He’s the type of player that Phil Snow and his staff, who are already familiar with him, could use in a variety of ways.
Matt Hennessy, OL, Temple
He was recruited by Rhule in college and would build depth on the offensive line. Hennessy gives them that, and versatility with the ability to play center or guard. He was named first-team All-American Athletic Conference in 2019 and a finalist for the Remington Trophy as the nation’s best pivot.
Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State
Let’s all hope the Panthers address cornerback in Round 2. But if they don’t, there are still options with pick 69. Dantlzer isn’t a player to pencil in as a Day 1 starter, but he does have the potential to become one soon. Zierlein describes him as a “very long, stringy cornerback with surprising strength and a competitive mindset that had quarterbacks looking for easier battles elsewhere.”
Other names to keep an eye on
Ashtyn Davis, S, Cal: This is a fun one to watch. Davis didn’t get serious attention from scouts until late in his college career, partly due to injuries and a track career, but he became one of the better deep safeties in college football. He’s a bit of unknown in terms of where he’ll be picked, and the Panthers could use depth across the defensive backfield
Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming: The Panthers need help at linebacker after passing on Simmons and Luke Kuechly’s retirement this offseason. Wilson has risen up the draft boards recently and could help Carolina take care of another defensive need.
Bryan Edwards, WR, South Carolina: Whenever someone is describing Edwards, the word “physical” is involved. There are concerns about his hands, but he also did not get to put as much on tape as he would have liked after his senior year ended early due to a knee injury. He is very experienced as a four-year starter and could add depth to an already good wide receiver group.
This story was originally published April 24, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
