Niner Noise
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2020 NFL Draft: Grading the draft class from all 32 teams

By Jeremy Wohlfart

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: Joe Burrow #9 of the LSU Tigers reacts to a touchdown against Clemson Tigers during the third quarter in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: Joe Burrow #9 of the LSU Tigers reacts to a touchdown against Clemson Tigers during the third quarter in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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Auburn Tigers
Derrick Brown, Auburn Tigers (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

A-. . . . CAROLINA PANTHERS

Team needs

The team sorted out its quarterback situation, so the Panthers needed to sort out their defense. The team needs upgrades at almost all positions, while a potential replacement for guard Greg Van Roten was also needed.

2020 NFL Draft class

  • No. 7: Derrick Brown, Defensive Tackle, Auburn
  • No. 38: Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
  • No. 64. Jeremy Chinn, Safety, Southern Illinois
  • No. 113: Troy Pride, Cornerback, Notre Dame
  • No. 152: Kenny Robinson, Defensive Back, XFL
  • No. 184: Bravvion Roy, Defensive Tackle, Baylor
  • No. 221: Stantley Thomas-Oliver, Cornerback, FIU

Draft review

An NFC team devoting multiple resources to beefing up their defensive line, and it’s not the 49ers?

Derrick Brown is a stud and will be a force in the defensive interior for a long time. Yetur Gross-Matos fell due to character concerns but will be a force next to Brown.

To finish the first two days, the Panthers got a minor steal in Jeremy Chinn, who can start from Week 1.

Day three was full of developmental prospects, but that’s where you pick those talents. Carolina went for an all defensive NFL Draft and got some good prospects.

At absolute worst, the Panthers are going to have a radical front four on par with San Francisco’s and at best they may have found upgrades all over the defense. I felt some interior line help was needed, but this is worthy of an A-minus.