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2020 NFL Draft: 5 players Panthers could take in Round 1

By Rucker Haringey

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Matt Rhule fo the Carolina Panthers speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Matt Rhule
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Matt Rhule fo the Carolina Panthers speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Matt Rhule /
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COLUMBIA, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 16: Defensive back CJ Henderson #1 of the Florida Gators in action against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri.
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 16: Defensive back CJ Henderson #1 of the Florida Gators in action against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. /

The Panthers hired Matt Rhule to overhaul the roster. That process will begin with a crucial selection in the first round of the NFL Draft.

The transition from Ron Rivera to Matt Rhule is going to lead to a lot of roster changes with the Panthers. It’s imperative for Rhule to get his rebuild off to the right start in this year’s draft. That means Carolina has to come away with a productive starter with the No. 7 overall selection.

Despite the team’s uncertainty at the quarterback position, they don’t seem to be in the market for a signal caller in Round 1. That gives Marty Hurney and his front office with a lot of different options when it comes to position groups to strengthen.

The most likely areas to address are the trenches on both sides of the ball. The defensive line figures to lose a lot of talented veterans in free agency. Adding a rookie starter on the interior could make a lot of sense for the Panthers.

On offense, the trade for Russell Okung gives the team an upgrade at tackle. It also cost Carolina a solid starter at guard in the form of Trai Turner. Simply put, the Panthers need more talent on the offensive line. If they see a starter available at No. 7 they should strongly consider making that pick.

Of course, the Panthers also have issues in their secondary if James Bradberry walks. That’s why the Panthers could be in the market for a corner in the first round.

5. CJ Henderson

Jeff Okudah is the best cornerback prospect in this year’s draft class. He won’t be on the board when the Panthers make the pick at No. 7. That will relegate Carolina to evaluating the next tier o corners available.

Henderson could emerge as the top name from that group. Drafting the former Florida starter at No. 7 would be a reach, but he could be a target for the Panthers if they trade down. Acquiring more draft capital would be a solid strategy for a franchise with so many holes.

Henderson isn’t going to replace Bradberry as a rookie, but he’s got the natural ability to become a playmaker at the cornerback position in time. That makes him an interesting prospect for the Panthers.

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