4 pass-rushing 2021 NFL Draft prospects the Panthers should scout
By Dean Jones
Jaylen Twyman – DT (Pittsburgh)
One of the main problems the Carolina Panthers have encountered this season is the lack of pressure from their defensive line interior. Derrick Brown is more of an impact player in run support and has shown flashes of promise, but not having the pass-rushing presence of Kawann Short alongside him due to injury is something that’s hampered them considerably.
It appears highly unlikely that Short will be brought back after playing just five games in two years, with the Pro Bowler’s $20.83 million salary-cap hit in 2021 another prominent reason why both parties will probably go their separate ways this offseason.
Finding a long-term replacement for Short should be one of their top priorities. Jaylen Twyman is a player who won’t be a high-end NFL Draft selection, but that doesn’t detract from what a formidable presence on the interior he could be at the next level.
Twyman has something that is always a hot commodity when scouts evaluate talent. He loves nothing more than getting after the quarterback in passing situations and he’s enjoyed a tremendous amount of success in this regard during his time with Pittsburgh.
The defensive tackle recorded an astonishing 10.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in 2019. Sitting out the season due to COVID-19 health concerns shouldn’t impact Twyman’s draft stock in the slightest and he is sure to test well at the NFL Scouting Combine.