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The Carolina Panthers have been making headlines in recent days, first with the addition of Robby Anderson and then days later with the surprising release of Cam Newton. We carry on with our NFL Draft 32 for 32 series which has already covered other teams that are in the market for a rookie QB like the Bengals, Dolphins, and Chargers. To catch up on other teams, check below this article.
This series takes an in-depth look at each team and the potential picks that may be made in the upcoming draft. Based on each team's needs, I will project the first three selections and give fantasy football managers perspective on how this affects fantasy value. Whether it be a positional player or players on the defensive side of the ball, all selections made can help in some way when it comes to fantasy scoring.
As we have seen in recent memory, some rookies can enter this league and make an immediate impact. Based on the appropriate landing spot, this year's crop of prospects has the potential to create some very fantasy-friendly situations.
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2019 Review
The Panthers are another team at the top of this draft that is experiencing changes. Gone is Ron Rivera and in comes first-time head coach Matt Rhule. Long-time starting QB Cam Newton missed virtually the entire 2019 season and now is looking for a new team as well. With Newton sidelined, the Panthers offense struggled to find any consistency outside of Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey had a season for the ages (2,392 total yards, 116 receptions, and 19 total TDs) on the way to finishing as RB1 on the year. He will easily be the top overall pick in 2020 drafts.
QB Kyle Allen did the best that he could in this passing attack but his struggles hurt the breakouts of D.J. Moore (87 catches but only four TD) Curtis Samuel (54 catches for 627 yards and six TD). If we see improvement from the passing game in 2020 under a new QB along with the addition of Robby Anderson, this whole offense could improve substantially.
Going into the draft, the team will likely focus on the defensive side of the ball. They need help at each level, and new HC Rhule will need the help of young playmakers to settle things down on defense. But you may see this team invest at a couple of offensive positions as well. With Newton gone, searching for a new franchise QB could be in the cards. But unless they land one of the top three passers, that investment may need to wait. Also, with the departure of Greg Olsen, finding a new play to fill that role would be sound as well.
The truth is this team will be a wild card in the draft. With so many areas that need attention, they could go with the best player available mentality with each pick. This makes them one of the hardest teams to project in this year's draft.
Carolina Panthers - 2020 Outlook
TEAM GRADES
Offense: 65.0 (28th)
Defense: 67.0 (20th)
Overall: 68.0 (29th)
TEAM NEEDS
LB, DL, OL, CB
First Selection (1.07)
Isaiah Simmons, LB Clemson
After a blistering effort at the combine, Simmons reassured scouts that his talent is that of a perennial pro-bowl caliber player. He has rare, length, and versatility that can be used in many different alignments to confuse an offense and create mismatches. He's well adept at handling coverages on all levels of the field, whether it be against RBs or TEs.
His ability to explode through or around blockers with a mix of pass rush moves will make him a player that will stuff the stat sheets in numerous categories. Even as a rookie, Simmons could prove to be a solid player to target in IDP formats and will be a key cog as this Panthers Defense looks to get back to their old ways.
Second Selection (2.06)
Austin Jackson, OT USC
Jackson is a raw but gifted prospect at tackle. He should be able to slot in and play right away at left tackle but has loads of untapped potential that needs to be coached out. His hand placement and footwork are a bit subpar but the athleticism that he brings more than makes up for it.
Jackson is very diverse in the scheme he can play in. Has the speed and strength to get to the second level in run-heavy attacks, while also showing a solid base as a pass protector in more spread attacks. Jackson projects out to become a long-standing starter in the NFL and a vital piece to the evolving Panthers offense.
Third Selection (3.05)
Larrell Murchison, DT N.C. State
Murchison could prove to be an impact player on the inside of the Panthers defensive line. He seems to play tight with his lower body but his motor is what will catch a coaching staff's eye. Murchison always is around the ball and is a rarity to see him get put on the ground.
He has a quick process off the snap but lacks a closing burst if he is trailing a play. He projects out to become a solid rotational piece in a 4-3 defense and should help this ascending Panthers defense.
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