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NFL Mock Draft 9.0: Quarterbacks push defensive prospects down board

By Jacob Camenker

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs walks in to the locker room prior to the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs walks in to the locker room prior to the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 02: Jaire Alexander #10 of the Louisville Cardinals runs with the ball during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 02: Jaire Alexander #10 of the Louisville Cardinals runs with the ball during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

. Cornerback. Louisville. Jaire Alexander. 24. player. 87

The Panthers need to find a cornerback to start across from James Bradberry long term. Their secondary was a huge part of their success during their 2015 run to the Super Bowl, but after letting Josh Norman go, their defensive backfield hasn’t been the same.

At this point, the Panthers have a couple of solid corners on the board for them to select. Jaire Alexander and Mike Hughes both could end up being starting options here, and this is really a situation where beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While Hughes is more physical, Alexander is a bit more athletic and he performed very well at the Combine.

When looking for a cornerback to pair with Bradberry, it’s fair to want a cornerback with a bit more athletic ability. Bradberry’s playing style is more based off physicality and bodying up against receivers and makes tackles quickly. But, pairing him with an elite athlete could ensure that the Panthers have corners that can matchup with any receivers. And that would do a lot to improve their defense.

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In 2017, Alexander was good for the Cardinals, but he had trouble staying on the field. He only played in six contests and generally provided solid coverage when he was on the field. That said, his performance in 2016 was superb, and he proved to be an athletic ballhawk and notched five interceptions. That’s the type of player that Alexander can be at the next level, if he can stay healthy. He has the requisite athleticism to stay with most NFL receivers, and he has the versatility to play the slot as well.

Alexander just makes the most sense, though Hughes could get consideration here too. Conversely, the Panthers could try to upgrade their defensive line by going after Harold Landry or Sam Hubbard with this pick. But Alexander is the better value with the No. 24 pick.

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