2020 NFL Draft: First-round mock and predictions for all 32 picks
By Zach Cohen
Scouting Report. DEF. 7. 87. Pick Analysis. Clemson. Isaiah Simmons. player
The Pick: The last two picks were tough, but now is where things get much crazier. I have Simmons here because Carolina needs almost everything on defense. And Simmons can play almost everything on defense.
NBC Sports’ Peter King said Monday the team loves Simmons, and I can’t blame them. If Simmons is the pick, new coach Matt Rhule better have a good plan on how to use him. Simmons’ specialty is his versatility, so limiting him to one role is drastically capping his upside.
Alternative Picks: The Panthers want more picks. It’s not a secret. I was seriously considering a trade down here, and I’m sure general manager Marty Hurney will, too. This is a prime spot for a team to move up and take a stud defensive player or a top offensive tackle (or quarterback, if available). If Carolina stays put, I’m sure they’d consider a cornerback.
Florida’s C.J. Henderson has gained lots of steam recently, but I feel like Jeffrey Okudah would have to be considered, too. I wonder if the team would bypass Okudah in favor of Henderson. I think the Panthers are high on Derrick Brown, so he could be a possibility if he’s here.
There haven’t been many reports out of Charlotte about this one, and while I think a trade down is just as likely as a selection here, I’m sticking with Simmons for now. I would be extremely shocked if it’s a quarterback here, and I wouldn’t be alone. I’d be a little less shocked if it’s an offensive lineman, though I’m mostly leaning toward a defender.