Help for Carolina Panthers' star defensive lineman Derrick Brown may not be confined to just Jadeveon Clowney.
The Panthers appear to have had visits with LSU's Maason Smith and Clemson's Ruke Orhorhoro recently.
Photos of their trip to Charlotte appeared on Instagram in recent days, indicating the Panthers could be looking at bolstering the defensive line on day 2 or day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Panthers Breakdown was able to capture photos of the alleged visit to Charlotte.
Looks like #LSU DT Maason Smith is in Charlotte visiting the #Panthers on a top 30 visit, per his IG. #KeepPounding
— panthers.breakdown (@panthersbreakd) April 11, 2024
Smith (6’5” 1/8, 306 LBS) had 27 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss & 2.5 sacks in 2023. @LanceZierlein writes “Traits-based prospect with an exciting ceiling… pic.twitter.com/PQ09HQSR0R
Looks like #Clemson DT Ruke Orhorhoro is in Charlotte for a top 30 visit with the #Panthers, per his IG. #KeepPounding
— panthers.breakdown (@panthersbreakd) April 11, 2024
Orhorhoro (6’4”, 294 LBS) started 12 games in 2023 and had 25 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss & 5 sacks. He was awarded Third-team All-ACC in 2023 as well.… pic.twitter.com/IgfJpzBTsL
Smith has dealt with injury issues during the last three seasons.
In his sophomore season, Smith racked up nine solo tackles and 2.5 sacks.
NFL scouts say he has a "good blend" of size, strength and quickness to grow into a good defensive tackle in the league.
He is currently projected to be a third-round pick in most mock drafts.
Orhorhoro has been described by scouts as the perfect description of a "high-ceiling" NFL prospect.
He earned All-ACC honors during his final season at Clemson. He is credited with 97 tackles (25.5 for loss), 12.0 sacks, nine pass breakups and two fumble recoveries in 1,526 career snaps over 53 games (30 starts) from 2019-23.
Of the two, Orhorhoro is the better prospect. But it is good to see both players on the Panthers' radar.
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