The Carolina Panthers are preparing to enter their first offseason with Matt Rhule as their next head coach. It goes without saying that the entire outlook of Carolina's offseason is dependent on what the team decides to do with Cam Newton.
If the Panthers bring back Newton, then it is unlikely that Carolina signs a quarterback in free agency or adds one in the 2020 NFL Draft. At the same time, they could move on from Newton and create a glaring need at quarterback.
Seeing that the Panthers own the No. 7 pick in the first round, they could set their sights on either Justin Herbert or Jordan Love. On the other hand, the Panthers are at risk of losing Vernon Butler, Dontari Poe, and Gerald McCoy on the defensive line.
On the condition that any of those guys depart in free agency, Derrick Brown or Javon Kinlaw would be ideal choices to shore up the interior defensive front. With Carolina's plan in the first round being unknown, here are two perfect options for the Panthers with the No. 38 pick in the NFL Draft.
A.J. Terrell
Besides the interior defensive line, the Panthers could get thinner at the cornerback position this offseason. Once free agency begins, James Bradberry, Ross Cockrell, and Javien Elliott are able to speak with other teams.
Considering that, the cornerback position becomes a necessity for the Panthers in the 2020 NFL Draft. Looking at the incoming prospects, there isn't a deep group of cornerbacks to choose from. However, that doesn't mean A.J. Terrell wouldn't be a feasible option for the Panthers.
Over the course of his three seasons at Clemson, Terrell displayed that he excels as a man-coverage corner. The junior cornerback totaled six interceptions and 13 deflections in his collegiate career and could make a smooth transition into Carolina's defense.
Again, this year's draft class isn't loaded with an endless amount of cornerbacks to choose from. In today's pass-happy league, teams are prioritizing the cornerback position. Therefore, there are going to be teams near the end of the first round considering the option of selecting a corner.
If he's able to sneak into the second round, Trevon Diggs would be a fantastic addition for the Panthers. Diggs, a wide-receiver-turned-cornerback, showed that he is well-versed in coverages despite being relatively new to the position.
At Alabama, Diggs accumulated four interceptions, 17 deflections, and a touchdown in the three seasons he played on defense. Having the chance to select Diggs with the No. 38 pick would be an optimal situation for the Panthers.
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