2020 NFL Mock Draft, final 7-round prediction: Patriots trade up for QB
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Isaiah Simmons. LB. Clemson. 7. player. 87
Losing Luke Kuechly to an early retirement decision seemed like another major sign that the Carolina Panthers were about to enter a rebuilding period. But instead, this team has seemingly tried to simply revamp their roster on the fly and remain competitive. I expect that type of approach to continue in the 2020 NFL Draft. But no matter their internal direction, Isaiah Simmons is the easy pick.
Carolina would love to have the Clemson product fall to them at No. 7. Not only would he be staying close to where he played his college football but his presence on the field, though not the same, could somewhat replicate what they lost with Kuechly. Simmons is a singular force in the middle of the defense that can have a game-changing impact as a rookie and throughout his career.
OT. Tristan Wirfs. 8. player. Pick Analysis. Iowa. 32. Scouting Report
Addressing the offensive line is of the utmost importance for the Arizona Cardinals. Stealing DeAndre Hopkins from the Texans answered one major need at wide receiver but, for Kyler Murray and the Kliff Kingsbury offense to reach their full potential, they must get better protection up front. And there may not be a more ideal fit we’ve seen in recent years for what they do in Arizona than Tristan Wirfs.
By my estimation, Wirfs can play at right or left tackle but he played the former in college and could do so right away for Arizona after they re-signed D.J. Humphries. Wirfs is just a monstrous athlete with elite movement skills, strength and mobility at the position, which should be perfect for the way the Cards like to get Murray moving in space to operate.