2020 NFL Mock Draft: Redskins make QB splash, Giants grab star receiver
By Randy Gurzi
Pick Analysis. 7. player. 87. Scouting Report. CB. Ohio State. Jeffrey Okudah
Another team undergoing a major change this offseason is the Carolina Panthers. After firing Ron Rivera with four games left to play in his ninth season as their head coach, the Panthers went in a different direction by hiring Baylor’s Matt Rhule. Known for his ability to build a program and get the most out of his players, Rhule and the new regime also made a change under center.
Gone is Cam Newton, who was the No. 1 overall pick in Rivera’s first season with Carolina. In his place is Teddy Bridgewater, the former first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings who nearly saw his career come to an end with a gruesome leg injury. He was able to revive his career with the New Orleans Saints and now joins an NFC South rival.
While Bridgewater is more than capable of winning games, he isn’t a player who has ever carried a team on his back. Instead, he’s someone who won’t make mistakes and can do enough to win as long as the team isn’t in shootouts.
With that being said, the Panthers address their secondary with their first pick in the draft and grab Ohio State’s Jeffrey Okudah. Playing in the NFC South, the Panthers face talented receivers such as Michael Thomas, Julio Jones, Mike Evans, and Chris Godwin. There’s also Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and now Tom Brady throwing the ball.
In order to compete in this division with all that offensive firepower, they need someone with Okudah’s ability to shut down a No. 1 wide receiver.