Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina Gamecocks
Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina Gamecocks. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

4. Javon Kinlaw

It’s unclear whether the Panthers will operate with a three or four-man defensive front next season. What is clear is that Carolina will lose some serious talent on the defensive line this offseason.

Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe will both likely play somewhere else in 2020. That means the Panthers must find some immediate help for their defensive line in this draft. Selecting a high-ceiling player like Kinlaw could be just what Carolina’s front needs.

The term “freak” gets thrown around a lot when it comes to draft prospects but the description absolutely fits Kinlaw. He wasn’t the most consistent player on the field at South Carolina, but he’s got the athleticism to absolutely wreck opposing offenses. His ability to make plays in the offensive backfield has rocketed up him draft boards in recent weeks.

The question to ask about Kinlaw is whether or he’s really the best defensive tackle in this draft class. That’s the caliber of player the Panthers should be able to select at No. 7 if they want to add an interior defensive lineman. If they project Kinlaw as a Pro Bowler, they can pull the trigger on him with their current pick. If not, they should trade down and take their chances on him sliding into their lap later in the round.

Home/Carolina Panthers