2020 NFL mock draft: Dolphins trade up for Tua Tagovailoa
By Brad Weiss
Defensive Tackle. Carolina Panthers. Derrick Brown. 7. player. 87.
The Carolina Panthers are in prime position to land an elite defensive talent at No. 7 overall in our latest mock draft, and there are a few ways they could go. Of course, they need linebacker help due to the fact that Luke Kuechly retired, but their biggest need on that side of the ball may be on the defensive line.
With their first round selection, the Panthers do not go with Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons, and instead add the best defenisve tackle in this draft class. Derrick Brown from Auburn is not going to fall out of the top-10, as he has the ability to dominate against the run, as well as get after the quarterback.
The Panthers will look a lot different this season, as Teddy Bridgewater will be their quarterback, but they did lock up their do-everything running back Christian McCaffrey. Brown added to the defensive line gives them a solid group up front, and in the NFC South, you need to be able to get pressure up front, especially against veterans like Tom Brady and Drew Brees twice a season.
8. player. 32. . Offensive Tackle. Arizona Cardinals. Tristan Wirfs
The Arizona Cardinals pulled off one heck of a heist as the new league year kicked off last month, trading away David Johnson for All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. When you add Hopkins to a group that includes Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk already, you have to think the team is going all-in on giving their No. 1 overall pick the weapons he needs to succceed in Year No. 2.
Kyler Murray was the team’s top pick in 2019, and he showed during his rookie season that despite his small stature, he plays the game in a big way. Now that they have brought back offensive tackle D.J. Humphries, the Cardinals add another cornerstone to the offensive line, drafting Iowa standout Tristan Wirfs at No. 8 overall.
We all know what Wirfs did at the NFL Scouting Combine, and with the Cardinals, he makes a group that is improving that much better. Murray is the real deal, and with the weapons he has, and a stout offensive line, this Cardinals team may be in play in a very tough NFC West this season.