2021 NFL Draft: Recap and analysis of every pick for all 32 teams

1 (8): Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

The Panthers selected all defense in the 2020 NFL Draft and picked up where they left off with Jaycee Horn, making him the top defensive player off the board in 2021. Horn’s combination of size, athleticism, ball skills, aggressiveness, and confidence makes him arguably the ideal cornerback prospect. He has an extremely high floor.

2 (59): Terrace Marshall, WR, LSU

Terrace Marshall’s body type is reminiscent of former NFL receiver Brandon Marshall. Terrace runs a little better but can give you similar production in terms of a big body at all levels of the field with after-the-catch ability and a red zone weapon. I love that he’s reuniting in Carolina with Joe Brady, one of his coaches at LSU in 2019.

3 (70): Brady Christensen, OT, BYU

The Panthers need to do what they can to help protect their investment in Sam Darnold. Brady Christensen was an All-American in 2020 blocking for Zach Wilson at BYU, and while he will be older for a rookie (25 in September), he should be a plug-and-play starter at left tackle.

3 (83): Tommy Tremble, TE, Notre Dame

Tommy Tremble, in addition to being a pretty exciting receiver prospect at the tight end position, has some highlight-reel blocks. I like this fit in Carolina where he could be TE1 immediately.

4 (126): Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State

Chuba Hubbard was one of the most productive players in the Big 12 over the past few years and a number of his best ones, Matt Rhule was able to see firsthand as the head coach at Baylor. Rhule told Hubbard on their draft call that his wife told him he needed to draft Chuba. Rule obliged and got himself a home-run hitter to pair with Christian McCaffrey.

5 (158): Daviyon Nixon, DL, Iowa

Whatever pushed Daviyon Nixon down the board remains a mystery. He had a huge season for Iowa this past year and looks like an absolute stud who can play all over the interior defensive line. He’s a big-time steal if he stays healthy.

5 (166): Keith Taylor, CB, Washington

The Panthers continued to add depth to their secondary with Keith Taylor who has tremendous length and agility. He had no interceptions at Washington, which comes up on tape as an issue in terms of his overall ball skills, but the potential is there for him to be a starter at some point down the line.

6 (193): Deonte Brown, OL, Alabama

The massive Deonte Brown did not give up a sack while he was at Alabama. How do you get past this guy? He’s not going to win any Combine awards but Brown is a powerful player who was vastly under-drafted, in my opinion.

6 (204): Shi Smith, WR, South Carolina

Smith is quick as heck and will give defenses fits with his effort on a play-by-play basis. He’s small, but he could be an explosive weapon out of the slot even as a rookie in Carolina.

6 (222): Thomas Fletcher, LS, Alabama

Long snappers are people too. This guy’s draft call might be the best you’ll ever hear.

7 (232): Phil Hoskins, DT, Kentucky

The Panthers take a shot on the big body and long limbs of Hoskins late in the draft. He might need the practice squad initially but there’s potential here.