5 potential Pac-12 opt-outs on Carolina Panthers’ radar in 2021

Carolina Panthers Player No. 4: Hamilcar Rashed Jr. (EDGE) – Oregon State

To say that Hamilcar Rashed Jr. came of age last season at Oregon State would be an understatement. The edge rusher displayed what a dynamic force he is getting to the quarterback. And he was virtually unplayable for large periods of the campaign.

This puts his stock incredibly high going into the new season. But with the Pac-12 stars threatening not to play under the current regulations, there is just no telling what sort of impact this would have on where Rashed Jr. is taken next spring.

The player operated primarily as an edge rusher in 2019. This resulted in 14 sacks, 22.5 tackles for loss, 43 solo tackles, two pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. Rashed Jr. is equally adept in run support or getting to the quarterback. And this is sure to make him a player of significant interest for the Carolina Panthers if nobody grabs the initiative opposite Shaq Thompson at outside linebacker next season.

Rashed Jr. is still somewhat raw in terms of pass-rushing ability. He won’t be able to get by on athleticism alone at the next level. But there is plenty to like about just how much he can develop further in a professional environment.

He has everything one looks for in a modern-day edge player in the NFL. But another year to progress his game with an opt-out might do more harm than good.