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NFL Draft 2020: Tua Tagovailoa to Dolphins a lock in latest mock

By Celeste Sabin

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 09: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide throws a pass during the second half against the LSU Tigers in the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 09: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide throws a pass during the second half against the LSU Tigers in the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 09: Javon Kinlaw #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks warms up before their game against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 09: Javon Kinlaw #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks warms up before their game against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

87. South Carolina. player. DL. Javon Kinlaw. 7. Javon Kinlaw. Pick Analysis

The Panthers have offensive and defensive needs coming into the draft, especially at defensive back, on the defensive line and on the offensive line.

Carolina finished the 2019 season with a dismal 5-11 record, losing the first two games and the last eight games with other losses in between. The Panthers’ last win came on Nov. 3 against the Tennessee Titans.

Head coach Ron Rivera was fired mid-season and Baylor head coach Matt Rhule was hired as his replacement in Charlotte.

Javon Kinlaw from neighboring South Carolina would be an ideal fit for Carolina’s defensive line. He spent three years with the Gamecocks and recorded 82 total sacks, 42 of them solo and 40 assists. He also recorded eight pass deflections, four fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles in his college career.

Kinlaw’s physicality is built to intimidate his opponents with heavy hands and a forceful charge. He would add to depth to the Panthers’ roster and the new coaches in Carolina could help form Kinlaw to be more patient and consistent.

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