Niner Noise
FanSided

2020 NFL Draft: 32-team Round 1 mock after Week 4

By Peter Panacy

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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LINCOLN, NE – SEPTEMBER 08: Quarterback Adrian Martinez #2 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers runs against defensive lineman Mustafa Johnson #34 of the Colorado Buffaloes in the first half at Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE – SEPTEMBER 08: Quarterback Adrian Martinez #2 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers runs against defensive lineman Mustafa Johnson #34 of the Colorado Buffaloes in the first half at Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

Mustafa Johnson. 16. player. 857. . Defensive Line. Buffaloes

The Carolina Panthers are in an interesting predicament. Quarterback Cam Newton has been banged up this year, and it wouldn’t be shocking at all to see the Panthers start looking for a long-term replacement.

So far, the fill-in option under center has been Kyle Allen, and he also has a nice two-game win streak, like Daniel Jones.

It’s anyone’s guess if Allen stays the guy, should Carolina move on from Newton at some point. But let’s assume the Panthers focus on another glaring need: defense.

Carolina’s secondary hasn’t found a good formula for some years now, but the old argument of having a stout defensive front, which takes pressure off a secondary, still applies here. And the Panthers would benefit from adding a solid interior disruptor.

Colorado defensive lineman Mustafa Johnson has that capability, serving well both against the run and as a quality interior pass-rusher.