Carolina Panthers reshape defense with final 7-round 2020 mock draft

The Carolina Panthers reshape their defense after a franchise-altering offseason in this final 7-round mock draft for the 2020 NFL Draft.

Suffice it to say that things will be much different for the Carolina Panthers in the 2020 season — and that was the case no matter what happens in the 2020 NFL Draft. Longtime head coach Ron Rivera and quarterback Cam Newton are gone as head coach Matt Rhule, offensive coordinator Joe Brady and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater enter the fold now.

There’s no question that, after signing a high-dollar extension, running back Christian McCaffrey will be the focal point of the offense. However, the Panthers still have plenty of question marks as Luke Kuechly has retired and several other veteran pieces are now gone. Even still, there’s a belief that a strong 2020 draft could start a bright future in Charlotte.

So what would a successful 2020 NFL Draft look like? We explore that in this 7-round 2020 mock draft, which was compiled using The Draft Network’s mock draft machine.

There are a ton of people who believe the Panthers will take Derrick Brown with the No. 7 pick. However, after losing James Bradberry in free agency, Carolina’s cornerback group is in a bad spot in the NFC South where they have to face Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Matt Ryan along with Mike Evans, Michael Thomas and Julio Jones.

That’s why C.J. Henderson is the pick here. While the Florida product has issues tackling, his man-to-man coverage ability is second-to-none in the 2020 NFL Draft class and he should be able to enter the league and lock opposing wide receivers down consistently.

Carolina very much needs some more pop on the defensive line and, after addressing the secondary, Marlon Davidson with the No. 38 pick could be huge for the Panthers. He comes in with the ability and size to move all over the front seven and win in a variety of ways. Davidson could be a chess piece for new head coach Matt Rhule and the defense right away.

Unless Isaiah Simmons falls in their laps, the Panthers aren’t going to be able to replace the loss of Luke Kuechly — and may not be able to do so even if they did land Simmons. However, they can make their linebacker corps serviceable by adding Ohio State’s Malik Harrison in Round 3. While he’s not experienced in coverage, he’s a sound run defender and a player who has upside in coverage as well.

After trading Trai Turner this offseason, there’s a hole at guard on this offensive line. Ben Bredeson is a player who, for my money, is being undervalued and should probably be a top-100 prospect. The Michigan guard’s trump card is his power at the point of attack but he’s mobile enough to succeed in zone-blocking situations as well in space. He’s a versatile player who can be a step up for the Panthers.

You have to like what D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel bring to the table for Carolina, especially with some newfound offensive creativity under coordinator Joe Brady. However, they can add some size and variety at No. 148.

Antonio Gandy-Golden dominated the competition at Liberty. He’s a big body and, while he didn’t test overly speedy at the NFL Combine, he has ball skills and the ability to separate as a vertical threat. He’ll be a nice complement to those already in the Panthers passing attack.

With the money the Panthers are paying Teddy Bridgewater, they clearly believe in him as their future quarterback. However, Carolina needs to add some young depth and a high-upside option like Anthony Gordon is enticing. Putting Gordon, who has a live arm but limited experience, in the Joe Brady offense could unlock something really special in the Wazzu product.

Greg Olsen is gone and, though Ian Thomas has some real promise, the Panthers need some quality bodies at the position. Colby Parkinson doesn’t have the functional strength or technique necessary as a blocker right now. However, the Stanford product is a big, long body with nice hands that will make him a valuable pass-catcher, especially in the red zone.

There are some young playmakers, such as 2019 first-round pick Brian Burns and 2019 fourth-rounder Christian Miller, on the edge for the Panthers. Proven depth, however, is in short supply.

For a seventh-round pick, I have a lot of belief in what Carter Coughlin can be in the NFL. He lacks size and isn’t an every-down player on the edge. But his quickness and agility off the edge can make him a pass-rushing weapon in the 3-4 base for Carolina.