Carolina Panthers added to great 2021 Draft with UDFA David Moore

The Carolina Panthers had one of the better classes in the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite passing on Justin Fields, something that could hurt them down the road, general manager Scott Fitterer, head coach Matt Rhule, and the scouts put together a great weekend.

Getting Jaycee Horn in a division that features elite wide receiver talent was huge. He can be the lockdown guy going forward. Landing Terrace Marshall, who has familiarity with Joe Brady, was impressive. They got some help along the offensive line with Brady Christensen and Deonte Brown, and drafted a tight end with upside in Tommy Tremble.

The offensive line is what many Panthers fans will be watching once training camp gets underway. Left tackle could be an open competition with Cam Erving, Greg Little, and Christensen. The interior still has questions and some players could step up. Carolina might have a diamond in the rough who can challenge them all.

After a great draft, the Carolina Panthers might’ve struck gold with UDFA David Moore.

Moore was discovered a bit later in the draft process. After dominating all season long at Grambling State, Moore grabbed more headlines by getting down to Mobile for the Senior Bowl in January. His power at the point of attack and anchor showed up in drills and 1v1s, and Moore displayed versatility as well, taking reps at both guard and center. He matched defenders quickness with good footwork, and rarely found himself out of position.

So why did he fall in the draft? It’s hard to tell, but a deep class could’ve pushed him down a bit. Moore does struggle at times when trying to keep his hands in tight, so scouts could’ve believed more development was necessary.

The good news for Moore is that he has a great opportunity with the Carolina Panthers, and the Panthers got a good talent here. While the depth chart looks loaded with potential, there are avenues for Moore to make the team and develop into a starter.

Center Matt Paradis agreed to a restructure this past offseason, but there’s no guarantee he comes back after the 2021 season. Pat Elflein is a favorite to start at one of the guard spots, but he hasn’t reached expectations after being a high draft pick for Minnesota.

It’s possible that Brown, a fellow rookie, comes in to snag one of the spots, but he’s also a late round pick with quickness/agility questions.

With a strong camp and preseason, David Moore has a chance to prove that the Carolina Panthers made an excellent decision bringing him in as a UDFA, and make an impact sooner than later on a roster that needs all the protection it can get for Sam Darnold.