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Strong 2020 NFL draft class could allow Panthers to avoid total rebuild Instead of calling it a rebuild, new head coach Matt Rhule, who made his reputation in rebuilding college programs at Temple and Baylor, referred to what he learned from former New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese.
The Panthers liked Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons a lot at No. 7 and he was the best pure athlete on the board, but they felt he was a better fit for a veteran team because of his ability to play so many positions. So they went with Auburn DT Derrick Brown, a run stopper who with Pro Bowler Kawann Short will make this defense a force in the middle from the get-go.
Panthers coach Matt Rhule says he will go with a base 4-3 defense a year after Carolina went to a 3-4 last season under Ron RIvera. That made getting Auburn DT Derrick Brown to play inside with Kawann Short key. Rhule said he was ‘'touched'' by who Brown was as a player and person when he left him at the Senior Bowl.
One reason the Panthers liked DT Derrick Brown is he makes those around him on the defense better by eating up blocks. Asked how often he was double teamed last year, he said at the NFL Combine: "About every snap. Pass, run, it was a double-team frenzy when it came time to play against us. And that was my job, that's what I was supposed to be doing in the defense, be able to help other guys be better. So that's what I did, tried to do my job to the highest level that I could.''
Six cornerbacks went in the first round on Thursday night, not the best scenario for a Carolina team looking for a No.1 corner on the second day of the draft. Among those available include: Trevon Diggs, Alabama; Jaylon Johnson, Utah; Amik Robertson, Louisiana Tech; Kristian Fulton, LSU; Bruce Hall, Virginia; Troy Pride Jr., Notre Dame.
Panthers' Matt Rhule first to use all 7 NFL draft picks on defense Rhule said the Panthers didn't go into the draft thinking they would take all defensive players but knew it would be defense-heavy. "A few times we had an offensive guy as the next guy up,'' Rhule said. "As it got within three or four picks that player went away.'' .
Panthers coach Matt Rhule said the organization did a lot of homework on S Kenny Robinson, who was dismissed from West Virginia for academic misconduct. When they talked to Robinson's XFL coaches they "raved'' about him. He feels Robinson learned from his mistakes and has grown up from them.
Panthers GM Marty Hurney says they have a saying in the organization with new coach Matt Rhule to “make one good decision at a time.'' After the draft and free agency, Hurney said, “I think we've done that.''
Unofficial list of undrafted free agents the Panthers plan to sign based on social media reports: Branden Bowen, OL, Ohio State; Cam Sutton, TE, Fresno State; Rodney Smith, RB, Minnesota; Chris Orr, LB, Wisconsin; Mike Horton, OG, Auburn; TreVontae Hights, WR, TCU; Myles Hartsfield, DB, Ole Miss; Jordan Mack, ILB, Virginia; Jason Ferris, LB, Montana Western.
Panthers elect Derrick 'Baby Barack' Brown as secretary of defense So the core of Rhule’s new leadership will come from this draft class -- made up of seven defensive players, the first time in modern NFL history that has happened. Rhule's first recruiting classes at Temple and Baylor were key to turnarounds there.
Michael Schofield leaving Chargers to sign with Panthers Selected in the third round of the 2014 draft by the Denver Broncos, Schofield played three seasons in Denver, winning a Super Bowl during the 2015 season before being waived during final roster cuts in 2017. He was claimed in September 2017 by the Chargers.In five NFL seasons, Schofield has played in 76 games, with 66 starts. .
Sean Payton: Saints beat Panthers to punch for unsung QB late in draft The 6-foot-5, 235-pounder threw for 1,155 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions during an injury-riddled season as a graduate transfer with Mississippi State last year. He ran for 381 yards and four TDs. .
Thinking about what my prediction for the Panthers will be when the NFL releases the 2020 schedule, likely tomorrow. Here's a look at their opponents. Send your thoughts for consideration on a final record: Home: Buccaneers, Falcons, Saints, Bears, Broncos, Lions, Raiders and Cardinals Away: Buccaneers, Falcons, Saints, Vikings, Packers, Chiefs, Chargers and Redskins
The Panthers signed OG Michael Schofield to a one-year deal, a league source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Schofield has started 27 games for the Los Angeles Chargers since 2017. He was a member of the 2015 Broncos who beat the Panthers in Super Bowl 50. Adds stability and a veteran presence to the offensive line.
Many, if not all of the Panthers' seven first-round draft picks and 17 undrafted free agents, received on Monday their iPad to begin offseason studies. None, I'm told, was more excited than second-round draft pick Jeremy Chinn.
Carolina Panthers Schedule 2020 Predicted record: 6-10 Last season:5-11 Opening at home against a Raiders team that also is in rebuilding mode with three straight losing seasons gives coach Matt Rhule a chance to win his first NFL game and set the tone for a very young roster. The schedule is built for a potential fast start for the rebuilding Panthers, who won't face a 2019 playoff team until Week 7. .
Sept. 13: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Win
Sept. 20: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Loss Sept. 27: at Los Angeles Chargers, Loss Oct. 4: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Win
Oct. 11: at Atlanta Falcons, Loss Oct. 18: vs. Chicago Bears, Loss Oct. 25: at New Orleans Saints, Loss Oct. 29: vs. Atlanta Falcons, Loss Nov. 8: at Kansas City Chiefs, Loss Nov. 15: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Win
Nov. 22: vs. Detroit Lions, Win
Nov. 29: at Minnesota Vikings, Loss Dec. 6: Bye Dec. 13: vs. Denver Broncos, Win
Dec. 20: at Green Bay Packers, Loss Dec. 27: at Washington Redskins, Win
Jan. 3: vs. New Orleans Saints, Loss
Panthers, rookie DT Derrick Brown agree to 4-year, $23.6M deal
The Carolina Panthers on Friday reached a four-year, fully guaranteed $23.621 million deal with former Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown, agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed to ESPN. This makes the No. 7 overall pick the first first-rounder of the 2020 draft to reach an agreement. The Panthers selected Brown over Clemson's do-it-all linebacker Isaiah Simmons because they felt the 6-foot-5, 326-pounder could make an immediate impact next to Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kawann Short, who spent last season on injured reserve recovering from a shoulder injury. Facing NFC South quarterbacks Tom Brady (Tampa Bay), Drew Brees (New Orleans) and Matt Ryan (Atlanta) twice a year made it imperative, in the eyes of first-year coach Matt Rhule, that he build a defense that can provide a great inside push and stop the run.